American artist David Choe (featured) has spent the last several weeks working on his exhibition opening August 17th at the Museo Universitario del Chopo. This is his first big solo show after four years of “falling deep into addiction, heartbreak, rejoicing, discovery, recovery, hallucinogenics, worship and ignorant idiotic prophecies,” so there is a lot he wanted to create and share. From the title Snowman Monkey BBQ, which takes inspiration from the words that Chinese gamblers scream in casinos, to painting with Pedro Friedeberg, this show is 100% driven by his adventurous lifestyle and his urge for exploration. Based on what Choe describes as a life-changing experience (which happened a few years ago during a ceremony with the Kogui Indians’ in Colombia) that helped him develop a new sensory perception which is reflected in his use of a new vibrant color palette seen in some of his pieces, these works provide a full range of raw emotions detached from ordinary mental process.

The exhibition’s private opening is tonight, so for those who can’t make it, here are preview photos some of the new oil paintings, drawings, watercolors and of course site specific installations & murals he prepared for this occasion. More about the show can be found at SnowmanMonkeyBBQ.com.

Discuss David Choe here.