Winsome Losers

The term "urban contemporary art" has gone from vague title to official category over the past five years. But when Aaron Rose first opened Alleged Gallery in New York City in 1992, the new style of art barely had an identity. "I met all of these young artists who didn't...

By Jared Jacang Maher

May 22, 2008

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The term "urban contemporary art" has gone from vague title to official category over the past five years. But when Aaron Rose first opened Alleged Gallery in New York City in 1992, the new style of art barely had an identity. "I met all of these young artists who didn't really have careers or money or anything like that," Rose remembers, "and together we built this scene around us."

The scene includes names that are now some of the biggest in contemporary art and film: Barry McGee, Shepard Fairey, Margaret Kilgallen, Chris Johanson, Spike Jonze and Ed Templeton. The story behind these art-world outsiders and how their unique aesthetics have changed mainstream design, photography and art is captured in Beautiful Losers, a documentary film screening tonight at 7 p.m. at the Mayan Theatre, 110 Broadway. Rose, who directed the film, will be there. Visit www.thefilmlot.com or call 303-352-1992; read our full interview with Rose at blogs.westword.com/latest_word.
Thu., May 22, 7 p.m., 2008

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