Der-duh. Der-duh… If you’re the kind of person that only needs to hear those two famous notes on a cello before you’re diving for cover behind the sofa clutching a spear-gun, it’s probably best to give Detroit’s Eastern Market a wide berth. Never mind needing a bigger boat, you’ll be needing fresh pants after clocking Shark Toof‘s massive mural crashing up through the surf of the pavement. The Los Angeles street artist is in Detroit for a residency and exhibition at Inner State Gallery, and it’s clear to see that the Toof is as sharp as ever.
He’s been staying at the 1xRUN studio and loft while working on the material for his gallery show, called I’m Shark Toof, Who The Hell Are You? – an appropriation of the smart-mouthed greeting of Bart Simpson, who makes a guest appearance among ST’s new material. Riffing on his signature sharks, the artist has re-imagined Bart and Homer as terrors of the deep – perhaps an idea for the next Simpsons Hallowe’en special, although let’s hope Sesame Street doesn’t get any ideas about using Shark Toof’s Elmo hybrid. Just think of the nightmares. Local artists from the city have been helping Shark Toof out as he crosses mediums, from aerosol street works to wheat paste banners and hand-painted gallery pieces. Ends 28 June.
