#ExposingStupid: Social Media Inspires Art

UPDATE: Sadly Cory Allen Contemporary has closed and I am currently seeking a new exhibit space for this series of work. Stay tuned!


I am super excited to publicly announce that on the evening of November 12th, 2015 my solo exhibit, #ExposingStupid will open at Cory Allen Contemporary Art. This is a show unlike any that I have had the opportunity to create thus far. As when I prepared to take the stage as a performer many years ago, I find myself today filled with and fueled by nervous energy, inspiration and determination. With making this announcement, I wanted put into words some thoughts on what inspired this particular show.

I love Facebook.
Few things invented in my lifetime seem to have as great an impact in my daily world as social media does. It is a great business tool and personally a lot of fun.  I can’t think of any other way in which so many old friends and I would be in touch today sharing laughs on a nightly basis, regardless of distance or years in between face to face meet ups. 

Facebook also makes me want to rip my face off and feed it to a pack of rabid wolves. Sadly this is an almost daily occurrence too. Blatant racism and homophobia and pious bullies all seem to make their way onto my daily feed. Scrolling through sometimes feels like watching a parade of stupid marching down Facebook Avenue.

I don’t pretend to be good at things I’m not. Keeping my mouth shut and looking the other way, are good examples. The constant barrage of idiocy on social media results in spirited and colorful rants on my part. I am not one to keep chaos inside. Few things enrage me more than the sheer lack of empathy that seems so rampant online. I cannot afford brain tumors or cancer so it is purely an act of holistic health preservation when I have to call someone out on being a racist dickhole or a dumb pompous religious fuckturd. These are not nice words or innovative uses of the English language, I realize. Ugly actions deserve ugly words.

There is so much happening in the world at this very moment. We are witnessing history in the making at such a rapid pace through social media that it can be almost, if not completely overwhelming. With every stride or backward step come downpours and raging winds of opinions, support and opposition. The perfect storm of social discord takes place on our computer, phone and tablet screens every single day. 
I am no stranger to screencaps and not above snapping and tweeting or posting them on my page without the courtesy of name or face blurs when someone crosses a line of bigotry or hate. That is how #exposingstupid was born.  The concepts for the first few paintings for this series came from the desire to put onto canvas (another exercise in self-preservation, perhaps) thoughts and opinions on subjects such as racism, homophobia and religion-induced indignation. To further refine my approach I decided to take on the series with a “Year-in-Review” mentality, reflecting on how quickly change is happening. I hope that the show will not only offer visitors an opportunity to reflect on the themes at hand but a chance to consider putting themselves in the shoes of another and the "what ifs" of life.

While a few of the pieces, some which will be interactive, for this collection will be executed in disciplines outside my wheelhouse (a welcome challenge), I will be painting in my signature Latin Pop style which combines pop and folk art. I am very much looking forward to exploring dark subjects and recent events and triumphs with satire and whimsy and seeing how the public receives the work. 

Hurts so Good, acrylic on canvas, 30" x 40"