Conceived, curated and organized by Thunderbeard, this event has its roots firmly planted in the underground circuit, and takes its name from the first song out of Minor Threat’s – one of the most influential bands of the hardcore/punk scene – very first seven inch, but twisting the original meaning to give it a sharp and positive message instead.
As a matter of fact, being a “Filler” is exactly the status of each and every artist that takes part in this convention, as explained by Dario “Dr. Pepper” Maggiore, Thunderbeard’s head honcho: “In a time when everyone and their mother is an artist, a graphic designer or an illustrator, we represent a very small clique, often ignored by those that fit so well into the mainstream and its business-oriented mentality. But here we are none the less, and we manage to ‘fill’ those gaps that the very same world of art, graphic design and illustration leaves open because it doesn’t know what to do with them”.
Filler has two goals.
Exhibitors can share opinions, suggestions and tips regarding materials and techniques, and can also expand their network of contacts, building new partnerships and giving birth to brand new projects.
And the audience, whether coming from the underground or mainstream world of illustration, has the chance to delve deeper in what Filler is all about, its background and the DIY ethic.
On top of that, a series of side events that take place before and after the actual exhibition will see “old” and new artists alike coming together to promote the main convention as well as their own personal activities, thus creating an exclusive network of like-minded illustrators, graphic designers and DIY creatives.
