Johnny Romeo - Wasteland
Mitchell Fine Art
Neo-expressionist Pop fans should make sure they catch Australia’s leading Pop artist, Johnny Romeo’s new exhibition, Wasteland, at Mitchell Fine Art from 21 September to 15 October.
*On Saturday October 8th there's a special Pop Art & Champagne Afternoon for those who missed opening night, with the chance to peruse the wild frontiers of Pop Art culture while sipping champagne, from 2-4pm.
Described as “a raucous and rollicking journey through the wild frontiers of Pop culture”, Wasteland sees the scorched desert of the Western frontier transformed into a lawless, neon wasteland of sharpshooters and punk rock rogues with its blending of the elements of painting, sculpture and strip-mall signage. It also channels the acid-drenched desert world of 'gonzo journalist' and US author Hunter S Thompson.
The artist is attracted to the imagery and energy of Western movies including the pioneering spirit they convey and the desire to forge new worlds. Says Romeo, “With Wasteland, I wanted to approach my art practice with the same unpredictability and hell-or-high water attitude as the cowboys and mavericks on my canvases.”
Johnny Romeo is quickly becoming a very collectable artist, with Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio having recently comissioned a work for his home. Part street artist, part graffiti artist, part Pop artist, he draws inspiration from his adolescent memories of comic book stands in newsagencies, with his paintings harking back to the covers of classic Golden Age comics.
He’s also a fan of rap and hip-hop as evidenced in his word assemblages and slogans, with the country western imagery juxtaposed with aspects of graffiti art and hip-hop. Pictures of iconic figures such as Johnny Cash and John Wayne are portrayed with bright, garish pop art colours.
Need to know - Opening Night is Friday, 23 September, 6pm. The artist will be in attendance. Johnny Romeo will conduct an insightful Artist Talk on Saturday, 24 September, 2pm.
By Vicki Englund
Mitchell Fine Art is a valued sponsor of Must Do Brisbane.com
Mitchell Fine Art
86 Arthur St
Fortitude Valley
Sep 21 - Oct 15
Mon-Fri 10-5.30
Sat 10-5
Free entry
3254 2297
