In graffiti subcultures, painting over another writer’s work is akin to crossing the picket line — you just don’t do it.
Unless you’re German artist duo Layer Cake, that is. Graffiti veterans Patrick Hartl and Christian Hundertmark of Layer Cake break this unspoken rule as curators of The Versus Project IV, a group exhibition currently on view at L.A. gallery Subliminal Projects.
Starting with a blank canvas, the duo creates an unfinished base that a guest artist completes, much like a game of exquisite corpse. The finished work results in a blend of styles that highlight the artists’ personal approach.