The 5th installment of the Crazy 4 Cult group show opened this past weekend, Friday July 8th, at the Gallery 1988 in Melrose. The show features work from a huge list of artists all inspired by cult movies. Not only were there original works of art on display, but some prints as well. In the past the Crazy 4 Cult series has put out some amazing art, and had quite a lot of art dedicated to just one movie, such as Big Lebowski and Willy Wonka. It’s nice to see each artists work that was created from the inspiration these movies foster, but at the same time there are so many good movies that have been left out of each one of these group shows. I was however happy to see some more horror movies featured such as the pieces by Jason D’Aquino, Chris Sanchez with the ‘Necronomicon’ pages, Justin White with his trio Kurt Russell works, and Scott Campbell with some more “Great Showdowns”. There is no doubt some great work in this show, N.C. Winters “Scott Pilgrim” inspired work being my favorite so far, but I think the show has lost a bit of its punch. There are so many shows now that are being dedicated to one movie, director or actor. I know that many artists today draw their main sources of inspiration from pop culture, movies being the main one, I just think I am in the mood for some more shows with a bit deeper, thoughtful meaning behind them. Let the pop culture references be a pleasant surprise in these shows, and not just the main attraction. After seeing that Jonathan Darby show at White Walls (reviewed), it really reminded me that art can be powerful, educational, and even life changing. Anyway, take a look at the preview images here and then over to the gallery to see the rest of the works.
Author: Creep
-
New prints by Lori Earley
Lore Earley has just added some new prints to her online shop. The two new prints are “Ms. Pemberton”, at 10″ x 20″ in a limited edition of 150, and “Portrait of Ms Ciccone” at 13″ x 20″ also limited to 150. You might remember the Madonna painting being exhibited at the ‘World on Fire’ exhibit (previewed) that took place in 2009. I think it’s great that Lori decided to release a print of this outstanding painting. Lori also has some artists proofs available, so if you are interested make sure to contact Lori via her homepage.
-
Review: Jonathan Darby @ White Walls SF
During the weekend that I visited the Shooting Gallery to check out the latest solo show from Aaron Nagel (reviewed), I also stopped by White Walls Gallery right next door to see what they had going on. The front portion of the gallery featured new works by Adam Caldwell, and while these works were worth checking out the installations and mixed media paintings from Jonathan Darby stole the show. Click the jump link to read the rest of the review and a video of the installation.
The entire back of the White Walls gallery had been transformed into a Favela, otherwise known as a shanty town in Brazil. Darby has shown his Favela inspired works in previous galleries such as the Signal Gallery. As you step inside the massive installation, the gallery is literally transformed into a slum that many of the children featured in the paintings live in day by day. I was reminded that the ground was still a nice gallery floor, and the room was still conditioned, but I made an effort to really be immersed and understand that the children living this way have it harsher than most people could ever imagine. (more…)
-
New work and website for Chris B Murray
Chris B Murray has recently redesigned his website and has filled the store with some original works of art all framed up and ready to do. It looks at though there will be some prints available soon so keep your eye on the site. One of the works, “Radio Dead”, has picked up some interest from Society of Illustrators 53, Spectrum 18, Creative Quarterly 22/24 & 3×3 magazine. Most of the works are acrylic on paper and are framed and matted.
-
New work by Mike Maxwell
It has just been a couple of months since Mike Maxwell’s latest solo show, “Extra Sensory”, took place at Subtext Gallery in San Diego, CA. Mike has jumped right back into the creative mode and released a few paintings I had to share. These new work are make with acrylic, gouache, and spray-paint. I love the abstract and messy feel they have, but there is still a hint of a figure there. Of course thee figure is not clear as to exactly what it is, but that’s not the point. Color, texture, and layout are what really bring this works into your mind and stay there for the rest of the day. Make sure to head on over to Mike’s Flickr page to see these new work, and the works from his Subtext show as well.
-
Preview: “Youth of Today” by Shawn Barber @ Fecal Face Dot Gallery
Opening tonight, July 8th, at the Fecal Face Dot Gallery in San Francisco is a new solo exhibition by Shawn Barber. Having moved to Los Angeles two years ago, this new show is a great opportunity to see Shawn continue with his “Doll Series” right here in San Francisco. This show will feature 11 new paintings, and for the reception from 7-11pm, the artist will be in attendance. Check out the preview pics below, and get to the show if you are in the area.
-
“The Last Friday” by Dave MacDowell
Coming this Friday, July 8th at the Gallery 1988 is a new Crazy 4 Cult show. Themed shows can be great, but can also get a bit repetitive as well, however Dave MacDowell has just released his painting for the show and if the rest of the show is this good then we are all in for a treat. The painting is entitled “Th Last Friday” and in the same fashion we know from Dave it’s filled with all sorts of pop culture mashing goodness.
-
Prints: “Buntacles” by Phineas X Jones
Phineas X Jones is an artist and designer working out of Chicago. His site is entitled Octophant, and if you check out the information page he has a story about how that name came to be. His store is loaded with amazing prints, but there is one in particular I wanted to share. “Buntacles” is a 14″ x 11″ 6 color screen print on French Speckletone Kraft 100 Lb Cover paper, signed and numbered in an edition of 100. It’s an amazing looking print, and for $25, you can’t go wrong. That damask pattern in the back would look intense with a decorative frame.
