Many Hands Make Art Work

(Courtesy Of Rob Stelboum - Courtesy Of Rob Stelboum)

Since October, they've created a body of work called "The Document," which debuts at the District of Columbia Arts Center in Adams Morgan tomorrow.

The four men paint in marathon sessions that last about 10 hours, including Burger King breaks. They typically start at 1 a.m. because they aren't technically authorized to use the studio they work in. They have to "keep it quiet," Hill says.

The group has two approaches: freestyle and choreographed. For freestyle, Chang cranks up his favorite hip-hop and funk and lets loose on the burlap or dropcloth canvas.

For the choreographed pieces, Hill comes prepared with sketches of color patterns he wants to try.

"There's a large amount of unexpected things happening, but there are some things that can be controlled," Hill says. For example, the group knows what a six-step pattern, the foundation for all break dancing, looks like on canvas.

The resulting abstract paintings are like the love child of a Jackson Pollock painting and a Levi's ad: frantic streaks of paint and prints from hands, shoes and jeans pockets.

Chang's paint dancing isn't the same as his break dancing.

"It's slippery, so the movement isn't as fast -- especially right when you get on and the paint is most liquid," Chang says. "You slip and slide everywhere." Chang is a member of the crew All Ways Rockin' that often practices in Dupont Circle on Sundays.

Videos and photos will also be on display at DCAC so viewers can see the process. The break dancing context gives the art new meaning, Hill says.

"Have you ever seen those paintings made by elephants? If you glance at it, it looks like a 4-year-old made it. But when you find out an elephant made it, you're blown away. . . . We were amazed by what we were doing."

See http://www.myspace.com/4traits for upcoming 4traits events.

The Document is on view tomorrow through Sept. 3 at the District of Columbia Arts Center, 2438 18th St. NW. Free. 202-462-7833.