An Undercolor Operation

By Lauri Apple in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 11, 2009 10:00PM

Doesn't a game of "expressive handball" with paint sound like a fun way to be creative? Artist/graphic designer Erik DeBat — also known by his graffiti name, "Risk" — recently teamed up with filmmaker/producer Brian Keller to use tennis balls, among other things, to jointly and "joustily" produce three giant modern paintings. And tomorrow — that's so soon! — you will be able to view the results of their rolling, mopping, paint-balling good time at Rodan.

Working together as Elevation, DeBat and Keller will present The Undercolor: The Primer of Life, a collaborative art and film series that spreads across two days (and N. Milwaukee Ave.). In addition to their paintings, Elevation will present their film The Undercolor, which explores the themes of glamor and modern-day Americana with a surrealist bent. If tomorrow is the night that you and Phyllis go play bingo down at the church hall, then you have another opportunity to see Elevation's sights on Friday at the brand-new Johalla Projects across the street; they'll replay The Undercolor and (through Nov. 17) also display paintings made during the filming.

Thursday, November 12 at Rodan, 1530 N Milwaukee, 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. Re-screening Friday, November 13 at Johalla Projects Gallery, 1561 N. Milwaukee, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.