Low Brow & Pop Surrealism « Arrested Motion

Category Archives: Low Brow & Pop Surrealism

Releases: Fables – The Complete Covers By James Jean

Posted by sleepboy, February 20, 2015

Currently available from James Jean (interviewed) on his online store are signed copies of Fables: The Complete Covers By James Jean. The 256 page book is a compilation of the work from when the gifted painter worked as the cover artist for the comic series Fables. Including prep and production art, the publication is a in-depth look at the early phase of James’ acclaimed career that made him famous. Discuss James Jean here.

Previews: Robert Williams – “Slang Aesthetics!” @ LA Municipal Art Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, February 19, 2015

Alongside the show celebrating 20 years of Juxatapoz, the LA Municipal Art Gallery will also be hosting the new work of Robert Williams. Arguably one of the most anticipated shows in Los Angeles for 2015, Slang Aesthetics! will be the godfather of low brow art’s first showing in the area in quite long time. Fans can expect a selection of new paintings as well as some amazing sculptural renditions of his work on display. Make sure you RSVP ([email protected]) for the opening this Saturday, February 21st, from 6-11 pm […]

Previews: “20 Years Under the Influence of Juxtapoz” @ LAMAG

Posted by sleepboy, February 18, 2015

After a tribute show in New York last year (covered), Juxtapoz will now get their shine in Los Angeles with a showing at the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery. 20 Years Under the Influence of Juxtapoz, curated by Andrew Hosner from Thinkspace and Gary Pressman from Copro Gallery, is the mother of all group exhibitions with an impressive list of artists who will be contributing work to commemorate two decades of the magazine’s influential contribution to contemporary art and culture. Make sure you RSVP ([email protected]) for the […]

Upcoming: Phil Hale – “Life Want to Live” @ Jonathan LeVine Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, February 17, 2015

This Saturday night (February 21st), Jonathan LeVine Gallery (529 West 20th Street) will be presenting new works from acclaimed painter and illustrator Phil Hale. Life Want to Live will be the American artist’s first solo show in four years as well as his debut with the Chelsea showspace, introducing his surreal and distorted images of life to fans in New York. In conjunction with the exhibition, the London-based artist will be releasing a new book that shares its title with the show. In the introduction, Michiko Oki states the […]

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Kevin Lyons

Posted by SAL, February 17, 2015

Another participant of this year’s POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) that stood out was legendary designer and artist Kevin Lyons. Famous for his illustrations and collaborations with major fashion brands, Lyons pushed things outside his comfort zone with the large-scale piece he created for the event. Working with heavily watered out acrylics that he applied with a sponge, Lyons worked for several days on an indoor mural, one of the biggest works he has ever created. After laying down a colorful background, he painted the outlines of his signature “monsters” filling […]

Recap: Parra – “Yer So Bad” @ Jonathan LeVine Gallery

Posted by SAL, February 13, 2015

Another show that closed at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery recently was Yer So Bad by Parra. The show title was borrowed from Tom Petty’s song and perfectly matches the Dutch artist’s signature feminine characters indulging in various “naughty” activities. Along with the new paintings on display, the Amsterdam-based painter also released a limited edition zine which was available through Printed Matter, Inc, as well as through the publisher’s website later on. The exhibition includes a new series of works on canvas, using very limited color palette and […]

POW! WOW! ’15 / Streets: Mark Dean Veca

Posted by sleepboy, February 12, 2015

Invited in for POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) for the first time this year, Mark Dean Veca (interviewed) took several days to paint a wall featuring his signature version of “Toile de Jouy” style patterns on Cooke Street in the Kaka’ako district of Honolulu. Because of the industrial nature of the area, the work from the Southern California-based artist and other participants in this year’s event are always a welcome addition in beautifying the local environment. Photo credit: @arrestedmotion_sal. Discuss Mark Dean Veca here. Discuss POW! WOW! Hawaii here.

POW! WOW! ’15: James Jean @ Honolulu Museum of Art (Part I)

Posted by sleepboy, February 12, 2015

Invited back to POW! WOW! Hawaii (more coverage here) for a second time (see 2014), James Jean (interviewed) has upgraded to a much larger mural this time around. Set up at one of the inner courtyards at the Honolulu Museum of Art, the gifted painter is well on his way to transforming the wall with just two colors. Head in for a look yourself the piece entitled Nervosa III if you are in town and also make it down to Kaka’ako Agora tonight at 6 pm for what […]

Upcoming: Haroshi – “Still Pushing Despite The Odds” @ Jonathan LeVine Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, February 12, 2015

After a successful showing with Jonathan LeVine in 2011 and 2013, Haroshi (featured) will be opening his third show with the gallery on February 19th. Entitled Still Pushing Despite The Odds, the new work consists of the Japanese artist’s signature wooden sculptures made with the novel use of recycled skateboards as a medium. Perhaps referencing the time-consuming nature of his unique technique, Haroshi also states – “throughout their lifespan together the skater and his board get battered, but even so they get up again to face […]

Releases: Aron Wiesenfeld x Pressure Printing – “Vigil”

Posted by sleepboy, February 11, 2015

Later tomorrow, February 12th, Aron Wiesenfeld will be releasing a new print from Pressure Painting. Created in an edition of 45, Vigil is a diptych (16 x 22″) produced from original charcoal drawings from the San Diego-based artist and will be available at 9:00 AM MST for $350. As you may be able to see, the new imagery is inspired by the work of Atget and a Caravaggio – take a closer look at the process here. Discuss Aron Wiesenfeld here.