Low Brow & Pop Surrealism « Arrested Motion

Tag Archives: Low Brow & Pop Surrealism

Openings: Greg Simkins – “Beyond Shadows” @ KP Projects // MKG & Launch LA

Posted by sleepboy, June 4, 2016

Last month, KP Projects // MKG in West Hollywood hosted the opening for the latest solo from Greg “Craola” Simkins (featured). Entitled Beyond Shadows, the new pieces continue the locally-based artist’s surreal explorations of hybrid creatures rendered in a vivid palette. Also included were a some paintings from his series featuring his Stab E. Mack switchblade characters. Photo credit: Birdman Photos. Discuss Greg Simkins here.

Upcoming: Jeremiah Ketner – “Nihon Dream” @ Rotofugi

Posted by sleepboy, June 2, 2016

On June 10th, a new solo show from Jeremiah Ketner (interviewed) entitled Nihon Dreams will be opening at Rotofugi in Chicago. The American artist will be returning to the city he called home before moving to Japan, bringing with him whimsical paintings featuring his female and animal characters. No doubt influenced by his interest in Japanese culture as well as his work with customizing toys, the work will be especially appreciated by the clientele that frequent the designer toy store and gallery. Discuss Jeremiah Ketner here.

Openings: “Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose” @ Virginia MOCA

Posted by sleepboy, June 1, 2016

A couple weeks ago, the Virginia MOCA held the opening reception for Turn the Page: The First Ten Years of Hi-Fructose. Celebrating the publication’s decade of excellence bringing coverage of many of the artists you have grown to love here on AM, the group exhibition featured work from artists like AJ Fosik, Audrey Kawasaki, Beth Cavener, Camille Rose Garcia, Gehard Demetz, James Jean, Jeff Soto, Jeremy Geddes, Josh Keyes, Kazuki Takamatsu, Kehinde Wiley, Kris Kuksi, Mark Dean Veca, Mark Ryden, Mars-1, Martin Wittfooth, Nicola Verlato, Olek, Scott […]

Previews: Jim McKenzie – “Lost Magic” @ Copro Gallery

Posted by sleepboy, May 31, 2016

On June 4th, Copro Gallery in Los Angeles will be presenting the debut solo show from artist and animation commercial director Jim McKenzie. Although the sculptural hybrids from the New York-based artist has a whimsical aspect to them, there is also a darker side to his work. He further explains – “I wanted to showcase the intersection where beauty and sadness intertwine within. I’ve chosen to create contrasting hybrids and though they have these brilliant colors and seemingly majestic qualities, ultimately, they are all outcasts. […]

Overtime: May 23 – May 29

Posted by Khoi, May 29, 2016

More stories from the week that ended May 29 (click on bolded words for more information): Terence Koh returns. Koh talks to Artforum. New York Times interviews him. Artinfo writes about the show at Andrew Edlin Gallery. Artsy also covers his return. The Creators Project attends the parade. RIP: Steve Wolfe, who passed away at the age of 66. Darja Bajagić work censored from Omul Negru exhibition. Artsy writes about the culturally suffocating ways that the government treats art exhibitions in Vietnam. Thomas Duncan Gallery will close in […]

Upcoming: Edwin Ushiro – “Capturing What Still Glimmers” @ Giant Robot 2

Posted by sleepboy, May 27, 2016

On June 18th, Edwin Ushiro (interviewed) will be opening a new solo show at Giant Robot 2 in Los Angeles. Just in time for summer, Capturing What Still Glimmers features nostalgic imagery from the artist’s youth growing up in Hawaii. Utilizing a unique process and technique, the locally-based painter’s work glows with an ethereal translucent quality that must be seen in person to be fully appreciated. Discuss this show here. Discuss Edwin Ushiro here.

Releases: Joao Ruas – “Verso” Book

Posted by sleepboy, May 25, 2016

Back in 2014, Los Angeles’ Thinkspace Gallery successfully hosted a solo show from Joao Ruas entitled Verso (covered). This month, the Brazilian artist released a 64 page hardcover catalogue from the exhibition including a fold out center of his painting Cannae of You and Me. The limited edition full color publication comes signed and numbered, costs $35, and is available here. Discuss Joao Ruas here.

Shepard Fairey x Cleon Peterson – L.A. Public Library Card

Posted by sleepboy, May 25, 2016

Last month, the Los Angeles Public Library unveiled a new card designed by Shepard Fairey and Cleon Peterson. The first artist-designed, limited-edition library card made available at all 73 locations features an image of the historic Central Library, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2016. Shep further states – “My wife Amanda and I believe in the value of libraries to provide resources for the public, especially those who can’t afford decent computers or an extensive book collection. When I was younger, I did most of […]

Overtime: May 16 – May 22

Posted by Khoi, May 22, 2016

More stories from the week that ended May 23 (click on bolded words for more information): Tabor Robak – Sunflower Seed show at Team Bungalow a Must See Los Angeles pick by ArtForum. RIP: Morley Safer, who passed away at the age of 84. RIP: Darwyn Cooke, who passed away at the age of 53 due to cancer. Trollstation members receive prison sentences for pranks at London’s National Portrait Gallery. Pyotr Pavlensky beaten and suffers cracked ribs while in police custody. ABC No Rio preparing for demolition […]

Showing: Eric Yahnker – “Steve Jobs’ Day Off” @ The Hole

Posted by sleepboy, May 19, 2016

After a showing in Los Angeles a couple months ago (covered), Eric Yahnker is at it again – this time in New York. His show Steve Jobs’ Day Off will be closing it out at the end of this week at The Hole and as you can see from the title, once again highlights the LA-based artist’s humor and love for satire. The new body of work consists of eight new works on paper, along with sculpture and installation that reference pop culture, politics, and quirks of society as […]