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Sunday, November 13, 2016

Ron English "POPaganda"



















Go out on the street…look for him on walls, in magazines and in galleries. The work manifests as sculpture, paintings and toys along with his own movies and cameos appearances. Ron English is just about everywhere. “POPaganda” is the name of choice he has dubbed his art and his claim to fame is with much warranted. That being said Ron takes on contemporary and counter-culture ideas and art. He is recognized in both streams and duly respected.  





The work is colorful, hyper-real and extravagant. His sometimes bizarre references on contemporary consumerism, culture and art history are amusing and at times disturbing. English does not believe in leaving his viewers with any lack of zeal. His hand is sure and the technique masterful.  He has influenced elections as much as any artist especially in the campaign of Barack Obama (2008). His work “Abraham Obama” was inspired from his feeling that there was a definite similarity between the 16th President and the then to be 44th president in looks, demeanor and historical relevance.

                                                                                         



You can look for Tony-the-Tiger, Cap’n Crunch and Toucan Sam as enlarged obese symbols of American obsessive habits and addictions in the English oeuvre. The Frankenstein Monster, the Incredible Hulk, the Marlboro Man and Homer Simpson are not spared English’s scrutiny and abuse. Creatures from the animal kingdom are hardly spared or excluded; English is very generous in his appetite for extreme satirical candor.



It is actually Pablo Picasso’s Guernica that English has referenced to the largest degree and number. His recreations and improvisation on the bombing of the small Spanish village (one of the world greatest and utterly heartless acts of crimes against humanity) that continues to intrigue and inspire the contemporary artist. His parody’s can be humorous and ironic but some are equal to the original even daring to surpass in horror the original.   






English continues to work and explore the infinite. He is an artist well into but still in his prime and expands his inextinguishable thirst for creativity. His journey is one that is open to the world. I can only encourage you as he would love you to join along.  




Tuesday, November 8, 2016

CELEBRATE AMERICA "Hillary Has Won" (Well; Maybe Not...)


CELEBRATE AMERICA
November 8th Twenty Sixteen

By

James Jones

Celebrate in music, in letters and in song.

Celebrate with loud noises and in silent tears.

We are witness to History Tonight!

Hillary Clinton is elected The Forty-Fifth President of The United States of America.

She is the first woman to be so elected.

This is a Time of Greatness, of Miracle and of Wonder.

This is Her Time and Ours

Yes

CELEBRATE!




Addendum_The previous was something that I had really hoped I was going to be able to honestly say. The reality is; as you know, that Hillary Clinton did not win the election (at least not by the electorial college). Donald Trump is the President Elect; the American people have spoken. The moniker; Hillary Clinton President, is not to be. Our nation will move on and tomorrow, I'll write another blog.  

Saturday, October 15, 2016

#ELECTION2016

                                                                                                     

This 2016 US Presidential Campaign and eventual election are both historical and by far the most unusual in recent times. The candidates; Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton are no strangers to the American cultural and political scene; but as familiar as we are familiar with them both, we continue to read, hear and see daily releases of new potentially damning revelations. Trump’s allegations of misconduct with women and Hillary’s misuse of a private email server are at present fore-most.  People across the United States and around the world are alarmed, saddened and dismayed to new levels. Many consider the candidates to be the least liked, trusted and admired; ever. What do we do?



The options are not much different than they have been for a while. The first is vote for the person you genuinely consider to be the best; that shares your beliefs, aspirations and vision of the future. Second; vote the lesser of two evils. This speaks for itself. The third being there are two other choices; the Green Party and the Libertarian Party. Forth; you can write in someone, living, dead or ficticous. Lastly; stay home, don’t participate. Again; what do we do?



In light of all that is being hashed out mere days before the final debate between Mr. Trump and Mrs. Clinton  I’m blogging and posting some of my own (you might call propaganda) political/editorial graphics. I’m looking to amuse here and hope they will strike some nerve and resonate with you. Please; enjoy these offerings!