Low Brow & Pop Surrealism « Arrested Motion

Category Archives: Low Brow & Pop Surrealism

Art Focus: Pez – “The Magic of Christmas” Series

Posted by SAL, December 24, 2014

Pez is Nantes-based artist whose artwork has been greatly influenced by the graffiti and pop culture. Most famous for his recognizable graphite works on paper, his drawings often comment on everyday life, the economy, and icons of pop culture. He recently introduced a small series of drawings on paper forming The Magic of Christmas mini series. Millennium Mercatorum is one of the rare colored pieces from the artist, showing the Holy Night in a different, more consumerism focused environment. Money Christmas depicts an iconic snow ball with little bank notes […]

Recap: Ron English @ Secret Fresh (Manila)

Posted by sleepboy, December 22, 2014

Over the weekend, Secret Fresh in Manila opened a new exhibition featuring the work of Ron English (featured). Although fans of the New York-based artist enjoyed the live painting, art work, and other sculptural pieces on display, the stars of the show were the larger than life Temper Tot toys. This cross between a baby and The Hulk has been on of English’s most recognizable creations so head over to the Ronac Art Center for a look if interested. Photo credit: The artist & gallery, chittyrene, carrotbombing, jasonmontinola, and fernandoescora. Discuss […]

Openings: “Soma” @ Underdogs Gallery

Posted by Manuel Bello, December 22, 2014

Underdogs Gallery and their bands of renegade curators have put their heads together once again to bring the great city of Lisbon another stellar group show entitled Soma. On display were a collection of politically charged works from the always innovative ±MaisMenos± to the traditional ornate tile collage of Add Fuel. Add to that, a handful of others all pulling their weight including AkaCorleone and his kaleidoscope of color, Maria Imaginário’s whimsical work, and Mário Belém’s intricate layered wood, and lets not forget the illustration based works of Pedro Matos and […]

Releases: Luke Chueh – “Jack” Figure

Posted by sleepboy, December 18, 2014

After the first appearance of Luke Chueh’s (featured) sculptural version of his classic Jacked painting from 2005 at one of his shows in 2013 (covered), fans have been wondering when some limited edition iterations would be released. Well, the time is now with preorders open for Jack, a 22 x 13″ cast resin figure in beautiful gloss white with silver chrome antlers. Produced in a run of 10 and priced at $2000 from Pretty in Plastic, it is now available here for collectors who are interested. Discuss Luke Chueh here.

Releases: FriendsWithYou x Lladró Ornaments

Posted by sleepboy, December 17, 2014

Just in time for the holidays, FriendsWithYou has teamed up with Lladró to release a set of ornaments and tree toppers featuring their lovable characters. Priced at $165, the beautifully designed porcelain pieces from the Spanish company are hand made and can be purchased online here. Take a look at more examples, some with matching ribbons, below… Discuss FriendsWithYou here.

Openings: “Praeteritum Nunc Futurum” @ Merry Karnowsky

Posted by sleepboy, December 16, 2014

Over the weekend, the Merry Karnowsky Gallery in Los Angeles showcased work from artists that they will work with in the future with a group show entitled Praeteritum Nunc Futurum. Listed officially were artists like Greg Simkins (seen above), Todd Carpenter, devNgosha, Andrew Hem, KMNDZ, Travis Louie, Nathan Ota, Lezley Saar, Jeff Soto, Nicola Verlato, Edward Walton Wilcox, Mark Whalen, William Wray but pieces from others could be seen as well. Take a look at more photos from the opening reception below… Photo credit: Birdman Photos. Discuss this show here.

Openings: John Brophy & Stacey Rozich – “The Saddest Heart on the Holy Mountain” & “Shine” @ Roq La Rue

Posted by x43x, December 15, 2014

Roq La Rue welcomed back one of the gallery favorites John Brophy to a packed house on December 4th. These new works, entitled The Saddest Heart on the Holy Mountain, continues the artist’s commentary on the juxtaposition between religious imagery and science. The Venus of Willendorf takes flight in several pieces, including a set of three works each painted in their own element, literally. Brophy also has expanded upon his technique of painting portraiture to experiment with the full figured Waiting for the Miracle. The paint […]

Overtime: Dec 1 – Dec 14

Posted by Khoi, December 14, 2014

More stories from the previous two weeks that ended on Dec 14 (click on bolded words for more information): [News related to Art Basel Miami Beach will be included in a separate special edition Overtime post] Time Out reviews Sean Landers (whose painting pictured above) show at Petzel. RIP: Wynn Chamberlain, who died at the age of 87 due to heart failure. Protesters turn Eric Garner’s “I can’t breathe” last words into performance art. Two drunk students attempt to steal Emil Nolde painting from Germanischen Nationalmuseum. […]

Previews: Kevin Peterson – “Remnants” @ Thinkspace

Posted by sleepboy, December 13, 2014

Tonight in Los Angeles, Kevin Peterson will be opening his second solo show (see 2012) with Thinkspace Gallery bringing with him a new body of work entitled Remnants. The Houston-based artist’s portraiture sets the innocence of his subjects and their animal companions against oftentimes desolate urban backgrounds. This contrasting overlap of two different worlds places his characters in a narrative where their courage and strength can shine through. Take a look at more preview images below… Discuss this show here. Discuss Kevin Peterson here.

Previews: Greg Simkins for “Praeteritum Nunc Futurum” @ Merry Karnowsky

Posted by sleepboy, December 12, 2014

This Saturday night (December 13th), the Merry Karnowsky Gallery will be giving fans a look towards the future with a group show entitled Praeteritum Nunc Futurum. Featuring artists who will be doing big things with the Los Angeles showspace, the roster includes Todd Carpenter, devNgosha, Andrew Hem, KMNDZ, Travis Louie, Nathan Ota, Lezley Saar, Jeff Soto, Nicola Verlato, Edward Walton Wilcox, Mark Whalen, William Wray, and as you can see from the photos here – Greg “Craola” Simkins (featured). Take a look at more in-progress shots of The Gobbler painting […]