Established in 2010 and consolidated in its present form in 2013, Underdogs works with a diversified roster of Portuguese and international artists connected with the urban inspired contemporary art universe, fostering the development of close relationships between creators, the public, and the city with the aim of promoting art as an everyday experience.
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The international symbol of peace and love, the smiley holds a unique place in Cook's world: as the unofficial logo of his musical alter ego; as a giant mural adorning the roof of his house; as the design of his one and only tattoo; and as the inspiration for a 40-year habit, collecting smiley ephemera, memorabilia, and art.
On the significance of the smiley, Cook explains:
"I became aware of the smiley in 1977 on the cover of the first 12" single, Psycho Killer by the Talking Heads. Once on my radar, I loved how such a simple image appeared in so many unexpected places in popular culture, both historically and thematically. As I grew up through punk rock into club culture, it endured in my experience and imagination. Born in the sixties and growing up in the seventies, it has followed me around all my life so it was no surprise to later learn that the smiley was born in 1963, the exact year I came into the world."
In "Smile High Club", Cook presents the work of 13 artists who, from pop surrealism to ceramicism, have created works inspired by and honouring the smiley's creator, Harvey Ball, together with the impact this iconic image has had on popular culture.
RYCA & Norman Cook — Right Here Right Now, 2019 Edition artist’s proof Model board, 23k gold, glass, and enamel paint. Signed by: RYCA & Norman Cook 77 × 57 cm
Chemical X — Pill Pop Art – Smiley, 2018 Edition 1/3 Four-colour, hand-pulled screen print on 10 mm cast acrylic. Laser-cut museum grade cast acrylic containing 1025 embossed Smiley pills. Mounted on hand-cast glitter acrylic. Glazed in museum grade, non-reflective UV-resistant glass in matt black solid Bayous wood frame 67 × 67 cm
Chemical X — Smile High Club – Silver, 2019 Edition 1/1 Laser-cut yellow and black acrylic, yellow Smiley pills mounted on silver hand-cast glitter acrylic. Mounted on black card in black frame 23 × 23 cm
Chemical X — Smile High Club – Purple, 2019 Edition 1/1 Laser-cut yellow and black acrylic, yellow Smiley pills mounted on silver hand-cast glitter acrylic. Mounted on black card in black frame 23 × 23 cm
Chemical X — Smile High Club – Black, 2019 Edition 1/1 Laser-cut yellow and black acrylic, yellow Smiley pills mounted on black hand-cast glitter acrylic. Mounted on black card in black frame 23 × 23 cm
