CONTRA is a global project dedicated to supporting a small group of rebellious, visionary artists who straddle the worlds of high art and street art through world class public events and grass roots projects.

Thomas Thewes Jr. and his Detroit based CPOP Gallery have been a beacon for underground art for over 15 years, blazing a trail for artists of many genres including graffiti, street art and pop surrealism. This year Thewes is launching CONTRA Projects, a special project highlighting a select group of artists to be showcased internationally at a variety of respectable art fairs as well as site specific mural and installation projects. CONTRA Projects will culminate in the publication of an art book of the same title, chronicling the year long venture into the streets of cities across the globe.

CONTRA acts as a megaphone for this select group of well respected and established artists who have gained global recognition by using the street as their canvas. These artists invite the viewer to broaden their scope of interest to encompass a global point of view. This culturally diverse group of artists have become lightning rods for new creative imagination, as well as the views and opinions of the average citizen. Because they use their surroundings as their medium and cultural insight as inspiration, we believe their message is the most powerfully relevant creative expression today.