Cool Hunting
Pete Fowler's world is full of noisy guitars, big hair and cute monsters, all seen through very brightly-colored lenses. We've mentioned the cult graphic artist's work before with toys such as Action Man and his Be@rbrick, but his idiosyncratic style comes through to no better effect than in the new exhibition of paintings that opens today in London at the Stolen Space gallery.
The show goes by the name of Bubblegum Psychedelic, but this title only gives you just a peep through the door into this mad world. To get the full on surround sound effect you need to stride on in there and take a look for yourself. Creatures of all shapes, sizes and colors surround the viewer, whether in paintings on the wall or the miniature toys playing in the display cabinet. It's unclear who they are or what they're doing, but everyone is definitely having a very good time! If you hang out at this monster party long enough you'll start getting to know some names, like Snorseman, Snorse Queen and Owl and the Gang.
The characters that emerge from Fowler's head to live in his paintings and on the virtual Monsterism Island will be well known to Vice Magazine readers who have the pleasure of reading the regular Monsterism comic strip. Music fans will know his animation and cover art work for fellow creative Welshmen the Super Furry Animals.
Fowler says of his new exhibition, "This is the first collection of paintings I've exhibited for some years. A culmination of ideas evolved and developed over time drawing influences from old and new psychedelic music, mutations, record shopping and my own alternate reality project Monsterism Island.... I'd like to think these pieces look good enough to eat or at least lick, but I wouldn't recommend it.'' Enjoy the visual and musical feast.
Bubblegum Psychedelic
8 February-2 March 2008
Stolenspace Gallery
Dray Walk, Old Truman Brewery
91 Brick Lane
London E1 6QL map
tel. +44 (0)20 7247 2684
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