Low Brow & Pop Surrealism « Arrested Motion

Tag Archives: Low Brow & Pop Surrealism

Update: Martin Wittfooth

Posted by sleepboy, May 9, 2013

The last time we met up with Martin Wittfooth (interviewed), it was during a group show in New York (covered) and a solo show in Los Angeles (covered). Since then, the Brooklyn-based painter has taken time to work on some commissions he has lined up for the rest of the year including this massive piece that we just have to share with you. In this in-progress shot, you can see a powerful leopard stretched above a view of TriBeCa, the Hudson River, and Jersey. Look for […]

Openings: Mike Shine – “Flotsam’s Harvest” @ White Walls

Posted by sleepboy, May 9, 2013

A couple months ago, White Walls in San Francisco played host to Flotsam’s Harvest by the Bolinas-based Mike Shine (featured). The exhibition consisted of an immersive installation featuring paintings, films, and performance art filled with symbolism and clues as to solve the dark “World Riddle” posed by Friedrich Nietzsche in his book, Thus Spake Zarathustra. If you recall, the German philosopher and poet also provided inspiration for Shine’s show in Los Angeles back in 2011 (covered). Check out the rest of the photos below… Photo credit: Joe Russo. Discuss Mike […]

Showing: Chet Zar & Doktor A – “Oddfellows” @ Stranger Factory

Posted by sleepboy, May 7, 2013

Currently showing at the Stranger Factory in Albuquerque is a dual exhibition from Chet Zar (interviewed) and Doktor A entitled Oddfellows. Aptly named for the strange artistic vision, the joint show from the two features Zar’s grotesque and monstrous portraits painted in a nightmarish fashion that only he can do as well as the Dok’s steampunk mechanical creations put together by his deft hand. The two even found time to collaborate on a sculptural piece together. Check out the rest of the show here. Photo […]

Openings: Stacey Rozich – “Within Without Me” @ Roq la Rue

Posted by x43x, May 6, 2013

With rising notoriety, local artist Stacey Kozich’s Within Without Me exhibition kicked off the Roq la Rue Gallery’s new Pioneer Square location with a jam packed crowd. Rozich’s bright color palette drew in patrons as they made their way through the neighborhood’s monthly artwalk. The gallery was quickly filled as they explored the inner workings of the exhibition. From afar, the masked characters seem peaceful enough, but when you get in close, the pieces convey a much darker sentiment. While some creatures exhibit exuberance, others […]

Art Focus: Joel Rea

Posted by sleepboy, May 3, 2013

We are ready to introduce another artist to you via our Art Focus feature – Joel Rea. The imagery of the Australia-based painter typically includes characters wrestling with forces of nature, often with a surreal effect. Those of you in Sydney can check out his work in person as one of his portraits has been selected for Salon des Refusés with the exhibition running through May 19th at the S.H. Ervin Gallery (National Trust Centre). Otherwise, you can follow his facebook fanpage here or check […]

Rewind (April 22 – April 28)

Posted by sleepboy, May 1, 2013

This week’s Rewind feature is headlined by a Fragmentos, a fantastic new film detailing Vhils and his work in Brazil. The footage follows Mr. Farto and his crew as they work on making their imprint on various walls in Rio de Janeiro mixed with a montage of local flavor. Other notable videos include: Jasper Wong x Avant/Garde Diaries – The Simple Beauty of Just Coloring TrustoCorp bombs an abandoned theme park. New Rijksmuseum opening. Tilda Swinton sleeps in a box at MoMA. Samuel Bayer, discusses […]

Openings: Gary Baseman – “The Door Is Always Open” @ The Skirball

Posted by sleepboy, April 30, 2013

It was a night to remember. Last week, the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles opened its doors to an extensive survey of Gary Baseman’s career and life entitled The Door Is Always Open. Friends, family, fellow artists, collectors, admirers, and well wishers alike attended to show their respects to the pervasive artist and his illustrious accomplishments. The exhibition paid tribute to the many things the Emmy Award–winning artist has accomplished and created including paintings, illustrations, photographs, textiles, toys, commercial endeavors, sketchbooks, sculptural works, and videos. Even […]

Openings: Shag – “Thursday’s Girl” @ Jonathan LeVine Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, April 29, 2013

Currently showing at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery through May 4th is Thursday’s Girl from painter Josh Agle, otherwise known as SHAG (interviewed). For his fourth solo exhibition with the Chelsea showspace, the Socal-based painter presents a new body of work inspired by “All Tomorrow’s Parties, the classic Velvet Underground song in which lyrics written by Lou Reed spoke to New York’s downtown art scene found in places such as Warhol’s Factory.” The pieces reflect an aesthetic strongly influenced by mid-century modern design and are rendered in his distinctive style and palette. […]

Overtime: April 22 – April 28

Posted by Khoi, April 28, 2013

More stories from the week ended April 28: Financial Times interviews and profiles George Condo. RIP: former L.A. Times art critic William Wilson dies at 78. He suffered from Alzheimer’s disease. Heirs of Baron Mor Lipot Herzog can now sue Hungary over Herzog’s art collection looted during WWII. Michael Little arrested for allegedly selling counterfeit Chihuly art. Francois Pinault will donate two looted bronze relics from his collection to the Chinese government. Cleaning lady pleads guilty in $3M theft of Benjamin Franklin Houdon bust made […]

Openings: Dennis McNett – “Wolfbats Are Real” @ MOHS Exhibit

Posted by sleepboy, April 25, 2013

Last week, MOHS Exhibit in Copenhagen presented all new work from Dennis McNett (featured) collectively entitled Wolfbats Are Real. Including wood block pieces in the standard format, the Brooklyn-based also created installations in the style of his previous shows – all paying tribute to mythical creatures that make up part of his imagery. After sharing some of the setup, we now have some fully realized opening photos for you as well below… Photo credit: Henrik Haven. Discuss Dennis McNett here.