Low Brow & Pop Surrealism « Arrested Motion

Category Archives: Low Brow & Pop Surrealism

Releases: Kenny Scharf – “Sloppy Melt” Lithograph

Posted by SAL, March 8, 2018

Print Them All recently teamed up with legendary artist Kenny Scharf (interviewed) for a fresh new limited edition release. As a part of his recent Sloppy Styles series, Sloppy Melt is a new take on his signature cartoon-inspired imagery. The California-born artist was a contemporary of such names as Jean-Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol or Keith Haring, working alongside them in the 80s in NYC. His graffiti-based work has been called pop abstract surrealism, and is constructed of alien-like cartoonish characters that form everything from single portraits to complex multidisciplinary installations. […]

Upcoming: Robert Williams – “Slang Aesthetics” @ LSU Museum of Art

Posted by sleepboy, March 6, 2018

On March 8th, the LSU Museum of Art in Baton Rouge will be opening Slang Aesthetics from Robert Williams, a show that has travelled thru Los Angeles (covered), Sonoma County, and Santa Fe, and the Midwest (covered) already. Presented by Thinkspace Gallery and Josef Zimmerman, the exhibition will feature over 30 oil paintings as well as ephemera and drawings from the “godfather of the lowbrow and pop surrealist art movements.” You can take a look at some other associated events here if you are interested. Discuss Robert Williams here.

Basel Week HK ’10 / Update: Mark Ryden

Posted by sleepboy, March 5, 2018

Currently in Hong Kong, Mark Ryden (interviewed) has a striking new sculptural piece on view in the foyer of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Entitled Dodecahedron–Quintessence 132, the twelve-faced piece features symbolic imagery on each side including the all-seeing eye that the Lowbrow artist is known for. Ryden further explains – “Quintessence 132 is a sculptural piece that continues my interest in the Dodecahedron. I have been numbering my paintings and sculptures since my first major solo exhibition in 1998. This is number 132. On this piece, I […]

Overtime: Feb 26 – March 4

Posted by sleepboy, March 4, 2018

More stories below (compiled with the help of YESNIK) from this week (click on bolded words for more information): Kaws’ Small Lie figure installation at Hamad International Airport in Qatar (photo credit: @dash.jpg). 39 must-see gallery shows in New York this March. Russell Crowe “The Art Of Divorce” auction. What’s driving nonprofits into the art world’s arms. 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair New York 2018 exhibitor list revealed. Artists Space NY adds Barbara Gladstone to the board. Former Artforum Editor Michelle Kuo joins MoMA as curator. […]

Recap: Matsukatsu Sashie – “Kaleidoscope” @ KP Projects

Posted by sleepboy, March 3, 2018

Today was the last day to see Masakatsu Sashie’s excellent Kaleidoscope at KP Projects in Los Angeles, an exhibition that sees him continue exploring works that have a distinctive surreal yet post-apocalyptic feel. The solo show from the Japanese artist allowed him present a series of paintings of his signature amalgamations of urban structures, the most recognizable being his suspended globes. On display also was a sweet sculptural work, a three dimensional representation of his orbs. Take a look at more photos below… Photo credit: @bshigeta, @bunnie_gram, […]

Previews: Amy Sol – “Bird of Flux” @ Thinkspace Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, March 2, 2018

Tomorrow night (March 3rd), Amy Sol (interviewed) returns to Thinkspace after an interval of almost two years (see 2016) for the opening of her latest solo show. Bird of Flux looks to be a more introspective body of work featuring the Nevada-based artist’s female characters and their animal companions in mainly melancholic twilight and night settings, which is also reflected in her choice of a more muted palette. Rounding out the exhibition will be her first forays into sculpture, bringing her imagery to life in 3D form. […]

Upcoming: James Jean – “Azimuth” @ Kaikai Kiki Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, March 2, 2018

On April 6th, James Jean (interviewed) will be opening a new show in Tokyo at Kaikai Kiki Gallery. Continuing to work with Takashi Murakami to present his work to Japanese collectors (see 2015), the American artist has prepared a series of new works collectively entitled Azimuth. One of the highlights will certainly be some new stained glass works (the triptych Portals seen here) that Jean recently revealed last weekend. Photo credit: Brandon Shigeta and the artist. Discuss James Jean here.

Releases: Alex Gross – “#monalisa2018” Print

Posted by sleepboy, February 27, 2018

Alex Gross (interviewed) just released a new print entitled #monalisa2018 thru his webstore. The image is taken from a recent painting that continues his exploration of the effects of social media and consumerism in our lives, but through the lens of a hypothetical modern version of Leonardo da Vinci’s muse. The contrast between such a well known character from the past and the technology and fashion of today is quite striking. The edition is limited to 75 (in addition to 10 AP’s), sized at 28″ x 21.5″, […]

Overtime: Feb 1 – Feb 25

Posted by sleepboy, February 25, 2018

More stories below (compiled with the help of YESNIK) mostly from February (click on bolded words for more information): Frieze to launch Los Angeles art fair at Paramount Studios in 2019. 5Pointz graffiti artist awarded $6.7 million for destroyed murals. Developer is planning to appeal. Another San Francisco art fair will target the ever-elusive tech industry collector. How the glitz and excess of the 1980s shaped contemporary art. Art storage facilities offer a new model for galleries priced out of Chelsea. For NY artist’s struggling […]

Streets: Andrew Hem (Italy)

Posted by sleepboy, February 25, 2018

A few months ago in Italy, Andrew Hem (interviewed) spent some time painting a stunning new mural for the Memorie Urbane. The multi-story piece created over several days in Fondi features one of his characters painted in his usual cartoonish style with what appear to be references to paintings of religious symbolism and iconography. Take a look at more detailed photos as well as some in-progress shots below… Photo credit: Flavia Fiengo. Discuss Andrew Hem here.