Derek Toomes is an artist currently based in Raleigh, NC. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from UNCG in 2004 and has since been active in the art community. Inspired by graffiti, skateboarding culture, and urban landscapes, Derek Toomes has combined these influences into his own personal technique and style. He often mimics street art and it’s transience but adds a touch of the urbane, which allows his work to communicate a sense of culture while, at the same time, commenting on that culture.
Having spent an extended time in Los Angeles, Derek’s work is also influenced by Latino art. He often uses richer textures, more luxurious colors, and more ornamental, hand-drawn lettering, which both compliment and provide a stark contrast to his grittier, more urban techniques. He works with a number of mediums from aerosol paint, marker, wheat paste, and acrylic on conventional sized canvases, to large installations that often incorporate video elements.
Derek’s work has been featured in various progressive art shows, and he has been invited to work on an array of collaborative art projects throughout Northern America.
Education :
2004
BFA – Studio Art/Design, University North Carolina Greensboro
Selected Exhibitions:
2010
NCNC* , Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Winston-Salem, NC
Crash, Flanders Gallery, Raleigh, NC
Believe the Hype II * , Bold Hype, Miami, FL
2009
Believe the Hype* , Bold Hype, Orlando, FL
Electric Mayhem, Flanders 311, Raleigh, NC
Gallery Nomads* , Green Hill Center, Greensboro, NC
Drips Caps Flicks, Golden Belt, Durham, NC
2008
Triple Threat* , City Arts, Orlando. FL
Why Is a Raven Like a Writing Desk?, 2008, Flanders 311, Raleigh, NC
Window Down* , Visual Art Exchange, Raleigh, NC
2007
Vinyl Killers, Zeitgeist Gallery, Portland, OR
2005
Juried Seniors Exhibition, Weatherspoon Art Museum, Greensboro, NC
2004
On The 8th Day, Mass MoCA, North Adams, MA
Paper Politics, In These Times, Chicago, IL
2003
10×10, April 2003, PS211, Winston Salem, NC