Low Brow & Pop Surrealism « Arrested Motion

Category Archives: Low Brow & Pop Surrealism

Releases: James Jean – “Udon II” Print

Posted by sleepboy, April 9, 2017

After the his recent self-sponsored billboard went up near his studio in the Little Osaka area in Los Angeles, James Jean (interviewed) has announced a print release of the image. Udon II will be a time-limited edition starting 8:00 AM PDT on Monday, April 10 and ending at 7:59 AM PDT on Tuesday, April 11. Sized at with an image of 20 7/8″ tall × 18 1/2″ wide and paper at 23 1/2″ tall × 20 1/2″ wide, this can be purchased at the appropriate time here. Hopefully, some of the […]

Streets: James Jean Billboard (Little Osaka, Los Angeles)

Posted by sleepboy, April 4, 2017

Recently in the Little Osaka area in Los Angeles, James Jean (interviewed) unveiled a billboard he sponsored with his artwork in honor of an area where he has frequented for food and inspiration. He further explains – “Udon II was created specifically for a billboard in Sawtelle Japantown in Los Angeles. Also known as ‘Little Osaka,’ this historic area is filled with all sorts of Asian culinary delights. I’ve been going to Sawtelle for many years, and while waiting in line for ramen, I would always […]

Overtime: March 27 – April 2

Posted by Khoi, April 2, 2017

More stories from the week that ended April 2 (click on bolded words for more information): RIP: James Rosenquist, who passed away at the age of 83. RIP: Yevgeny Yevtushenk, who passed away at the age of 84. RIP: Julian Stanczak, who passed away at the age of 88. RIP: Gilbert Baker, who passed away at the age of 65. RIP: Robin O’Hara, who passed away at the age of 62. RIP: Beau Dick, who passed away at the age of 61. RIP: Daria Deshuk, who passed away […]

Recap: Luke Chueh – “Blood On My Hands” @ Secret Fresh Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, March 31, 2017

A couple weeks ago in Manila at Secret Fresh Gallery, Luke Chueh (interviewed) successfully opened his first solo show in the Philippines. Entitled Blood On My Hands, the work on display included paintings, customized sculptural pieces of various sizes, limited edition releases, as well as toys. Fans of his work will probably recognize the title as referring to the oftentimes blood soaked paws of his iconic sad bear character, an extension of the Los Angeles-based artist himself. Chueh further explains – “Blood On My Hands is my debut […]

Recap: Marco Mazzoni – “Dear Collapse” @ Thinkspace Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, March 29, 2017

Closing last weekend at Thinkspace was an exhibition from Marco Mazzoni entitled Dear Collapse, his second solo with the gallery in Los Angeles. On display were a series of colored pencil drawings that the Milan-based artist has been known for, portraits featuring obscured faces bursting forth with flora and fauna. The new body of work was inspired by “ancient Sardinian folklore and its traditions of oral storytelling – the history of its matriarchal culture, and the central role women played as herbalists and healers in […]

Recap: Erin M. Riley – “Simple” @ Hashimoto Contemporary

Posted by sleepboy, March 28, 2017

Just last weekend in San Francisco, Hashimoto Contemporary closed a solo show from Erin M. Riley (interviewed) entitled Simple. The new weavings continue the Brooklyn-based artist’s provocative work pushing the boundaries of the medium with non-traditional imagery. Nude selfies, car wrecks, evidence of domestic violence – no subject matter is too taboo for Riley as she takes her tapestries to the next level rendering imagery that most observers wouldn’t even think are possible with medium of choice. Discuss Shaun Roberts here. Discuss Erin M. Riley here.

Previews: Jacub Gagnon – “Short Stories” @ Thinkspace Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, March 27, 2017

On April 1st, Thinkspace Gallery will be opening Short Stories, their third solo show from Jacub Gagnon (interviewed) in their Culver City space. The new body of work sees the Canadian painter continue his penchant for combining familiar elements like woodland creatures and everyday objects in surreal juxtapositions that make sense when you consider the clever titles of the paintings. In fact, he starts his pieces first by coming up with the play on words that become the names of his paintings and then the associated vignettes that become the […]

Overtime: March 20 – March 26

Posted by Khoi, March 26, 2017

More stories from the week that ended March 26 (click on bolded words for more information): Dana Schutz’s painting of Emmett Till in Whitney Biennial sparks protests calling for its removal and destruction. NY Times also covers the issue, as does The Fader, The Independent, Art Forum, and The Daily Beast. Two Coats of Paint looks at it from a censorship perspective. Christina Sharpe speaks on the controversy. Aruna D’Souza discusses the issue for CNN. The New Republic’s case against Dana Schutz. Protester Parker Bright […]

Showing: Alex Gross – “Antisocial Network” @ Corey Helford Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, March 24, 2017

Though the end of this week, Alex Gross’ (interviewed) solo Antisocial Network will be on view at the Corey Helford Gallery featuring the locally-based artist’s look at the paradoxical effects of social media in our lives. His series of oil paintings along with some preparatory drawings feature his characters indulging in technology leading to a distanced state, showing how these networking apps pull us apart instead of bring us closer together. Rounding out the exhibition are a new set of his signature vintage cabinet card paintings, with the subjects modified oftentimes to […]

Releases: Josh Keyes – “I’ll Melt With You” Print

Posted by marcus, March 20, 2017

Josh Keyes (interviewed) just released an open edition entitled I’ll Melt With You. The image is taken from a 2016 acrylic painting and displays his concern with humankind’s effect on our environment and future. The edition will be open/unsigned and the image dimensions are 12 x16 inches (30.48 x 40.64 cm). Total print dimensions, including border: 16 x 20 inches (40.64 x 50.8 cm). The print is now available here from The Colossal Shop and is priced at $60. Discuss Josh Keyes here.