If you live in New York, you’ve probably seen Powers’ ‘SP’ tag on walls, windows, floors..etc. That’s because Powers is, to quote Waka Flocka (which I realize is corny), about that life. He recently held his first solo exhibition, Hardcore Horror, at Gogy Esparza’s Magic Gallery in Chinatown – promoted through word of mouth and a few scattered Instagram posts.

The Queens born skater/artist is one of the most promising dudes out of New York right now, which explains why the British skateboarding empire Palace picked him up as their only American rider. For context watch this, this, and this.

Dressed head-to-toe in pieces that would cause bidding wars on eBay, Powers introduced himself to me with a boyish smile and a surprisingly soft-spoken mumble,

“Hi, I’m Shawn.”

Despite his well-documented antics on Youtube and allegedly speaking primarily in Drake and Big Pun lyrics, Shawn Powers is a professional who clearly takes his work seriously. Proof: every tile in the gallery was meticulously hand-painted by Powers himself—no stencils.

Check out a recap of the show below and if you’re in NY check it out in person at 175 Canal St. through October 3rd.

I like to imagine this painting in Kanye West’s living room while “Bound 2” plays softly from hidden speakers.

Yes, “Give Me Some Head”

I like to think this song was playing while Shawn was making this (that’s Shawn’s actual blood bordering The Virgin Mary.)

The gallery looked like the room in the Saw movies which made me feel bad for the dudes who brought their girlfriends.

“sup”

I think at some point people were picking up the gun and pointing it at their enemies.

“sup”

Black Dave looking pretty Dennis Rodman these days.

I can’t figure out a caption for this that isn’t really offensive which, in my opinion, is how you know a piece of art is good.

**Drake plays softly in the background**

This one just sort of feels right.

Look at the edges. No stencils and perfect even spacing. Work.

If you wanted to stage a grizzly torture à la Reservoir Dogs, this is the location to do it—I mean that in the best way possible.

“I feel white on the inside.”

Words & Photos Jeff Ihaza (@jeffihaza)
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