Ron English's "Mythographic Vicissitudes" at FIFTY24SF Gallery 1.8 - 1.26.09
FIFTY24SF Gallery Presents “Mythographic Vicissitudes” by Ron English
DOWNSTAIRS GALLERY: “Mythographic Vicissitudes” by Ron English
Before Banksy, before Shepherd Fairey, there was Ron English, the catalytic figure in the advancement of street art away from traditional eighties wild-style lettering and into clever statement and masterful trompe l’oeil based art. Creating illegal murals and billboards that blended stunning visuals with biting political, consumerist and surrealist statements, English has hijacked public space worldwide for the sake of art. Most recently he created one of the world’s most instantly recognizable images: a fusion between the 16th and 44th American presidents: Abraham Obama. The image was initially created for the Upper Playground portfolio in support of the Obama campaign, and was later posted on billboards and walls around the country in an ad hoc guerilla style campaign.
For “Mythographic Vicissitudes,” Ron created a series of paintings based on variations on modern mythologies. Applying a sense of reverence to his patented mash of religion, history and art, English gives equal weight to all mythologies, from Jesus to Bigfoot to Expressionism. “Loch Ness Starry Night” depicts the emergence of the monster as seen through the eyes of Vincent Van Gogh. “Bigfoot in the Garden of the Gods” exposes the mythical missing link in his Colorado Springs lair, the epicenter of American hardcore Christianity. Marilyn and a mysterious Mickey Mouse, his face obscured by a gas mask, are bathed in Toulouse-Lautrecian light. And, a portrait of Jesus, the fisher of boys, fills in the messiah’s missing years.
Ron English, a New York-based painter, billboard liberator, and toy designer has exhibited in galleries and museums worldwide his unique sensibility, in which the familiar is reflected through funhouse mirrors into something startlingly new. He is the subject of an award-winning documentary, “POPaganda, the Art and Crimes of Ron English.” His commentary and art were featured in the hit movie “Supersize Me,” he served as host for the UK’s Sky TV series “The Other America,” and he has made numerous appearances on television in the US, Canada, Europe, Australia, and Japan.
The show features new drawings and paintings and “Mythographic Vicissitudes” will be on display at
the lower level of the FIFTY24SF Gallery from January 8 - 29, 2009.
SHOW REVIEW:
Last night FIFTY24SF hosted the opening of Ron English's Mythographic Vicissitudes in the lower level gallery. The show saw a tremendous turn out and it was inspiring to see English's work up close and personal. For this show, Ron English again presented us with pop cultural icons from Ronald McDonald, Jesus, Warhol, Big Foot, the Loch Ness Monster and super heroes, and gave them his ironic interpretations. If you didn't have a chance to attend the opening last night, the show until Thursday, January 29, 2009.
