Kaff-eine: Kalabaw

Overview

As a major player on Melbourne's street art scene for the past few years, odds are you're already familiar with some of Kaff-eine's work. Best known for her vibrant yet sinister illustrations often featuring both animals and children, this local girl has been slathering paint all over the inner suburbs since 2010. Now taking to fortyfivedownstairs, her solo exhibition Kalabaw gives you a rare indoor encounter with her work.

Though Kaff-eine loves to explore surreal subject matter, it's clear that this latest collection of works is heavily influenced by some of her real-life experiences. After spending much of 2013 visiting and painting in Manila, the artist found herself inspired by much of the local community. Despite living in inner-city slums in relative poverty, the people she interacted with remained largely upbeat. Kalabaw — named after a type of water buffalo native to the Philippenes — retains much of the imagery from this trip featuring uncharacteristically realistic portraits of local children and expressive representations of animals and urban scenery.

Despite the exhibition being free of charge for audiences, all proceeds the artist makes from the show will be put towards two related projects entitled Phoenix and Happyland. Looks like we have a whole lot to look forward to in 2015.