2nd June – 6th July 2012

‘I.D.S.T’ was a solo exhibition by London based artist Mike Ballard. Featuring an immersive installation of film, photography and digital collage, ‘I.D.S.T’ represents Ballard’s multi-faceted practice.

The acronym ‘I.D.S.T’, standing for ‘If destroyed still true’, is used in graffiti to accompany a message. Given the limited temporality of such a statement ‘I.D.S.T’ suggests that in the event of its erasure or destruction, the proclamation would continue to exist as a truth.

‘I.D.S.T’ explored ideas relating to transience, transgression, authenticity, appropriation and destruction that are inherent in graffiti and have always interested Ballard. The connection to Ballard’s beginnings as a graffiti artist are apparent in the work, however the conventions of the medium are questioned, challenged, explored and subsequently re-presented.

Mike Ballard, born in 1972, has a background in digital music production. He often cites hip-hop and the act of sampling as huge influences on his work. Ballard uses a variety of media including paint, collage, film, sculpture and produces multimedia installations. Discoveries made in one medium are explored and developed in another, thus producing new forms and leads of inquiry.

Ballard has shown extensively in recent years. Some of his most publicised exhibitions have been the immersive murals for ‘The All of Everything’ (December 2009) at the University of the Arts London’s former Art Gallery space in Mayfair, and the controversial ‘Whose Coat Is That Jacket You’re Wearing?’ (October 2010) at Walker’s Tailor, London.