Mark Ryden and the Transfiguration of Kitsch

I'm thrilled to announce that the introduction to Mark Ryden's new book, a compilation of his recent work entitled The Gay '90s, was written by me.

Mark and I met after I interviewed him and Marion for Heroes & Villains. He enjoyed my in-depth and somewhat esoteric interview questions, so he asked me to continue working with him. Over the past couple of years, I have been crafting a series of interrelated essays about his recent work, and this book is the culmination of that endeavor. It has been a real honor to be part of this project.

An earlier version of my introductory essay is included in Mark's Taschen mongraph Pinxit, a comprehensive survey of his work which was just released in a stunning trade edition last week.

Lined in Lead, Redux

Just a heads-up to everyone out there — make sure to check out the second edition of "Lined In Lead" at Nucleus Gallery, opening on April 13th. The exhibition, curated in the impeccable style of Ryan Graff, will feature Erratic Phenomena favorites like Andrew Hem, Edwin Ushiro and João Ruas.

João Ruas "Le Sacre du Printemps XI – Ancestors"

Shout-out to Ektopia

The editor of one of my favorite blogs, Ektopia, recently reviewed the book I made with Andrew Hem last year, Dreams Towards Reality. He has some lovely insights, so head over there and check it out, and then spend some time exploring the thousands of cool things that can be found there.

"Dreams Towards Reality follows Hem’s artistic journey from 2006 to 2011 in a series of chapters, which include his fine art, his mural work, sketchbooks and some of his photography. A journey that really started after he returned home from the first visit to Cambodia at the age of 27. With his “heart aflame,” he began to paint with new motivation. The use of bold colours for skin tones but subdued line-work (unusual for an ex-writer, it seems) make some some incredibly emotive imagery. There’s a ubiquitous sense of chaos being tamed by a calming spiritualism and his stories are never quite what they initially seem."

Wayne White's "Masterworks"

If you're in the neighborhood this Saturday, stop by Western Project to see Wayne White's "Masterworks," a survey of the past decade of Wayne's remarkable oeuvre. If you're a fan, you should also make sure to check out the recent award-winning documentary about his life and work, Beauty is Embarrassing.

Edwin Ushiro at the Japanese American National Museum

This Saturday, February 9th marks the opening of "Supernatural," an exhibit at the Japanese American National Museum that showcases the work of Edwin Ushiro, Audrey Kawasaki and Timothy Teruo Watters. Edwin will be unveiling a series of spectacular new paintings, as well as selections from his recent work. See you there!

Dabs Myla's "All Good Things"

This Friday, Feburary 1st marks Dabs Myla's triumphant return to their home turf for their debut solo at Melbourne's premier contemporary artspace, Metro Gallery. I will be traveling down under to hang out with the dynamic duo on their native soil. I hope to return with lots of pictures of amazing graffiti and exotic creatures, particularly my very favorite critter, the adorably obnoxious Tasmanian Devil!

Andrew Hem's Box of Dreams

Next weekend at the Photo LA art fair, Zero+ Publishing will release the final four versions of the Andrew Hem: Dreams Towards Reality deluxe box set edition. The previous five versions are already sold, so these beautiful pieces complete the set. Go to Zero+ Publishing for more details!