The decollage artwork of Jacques Villeglé.

Jacques Villeglé caught my attention back in college at a MOMA exhibit called High & Low. His work primarily focuses on the anonymous and on the marginal remains of civilization. Villeglés work is considered decollage because of his building up of layers and then intentionally ripping away to reveal the underlying layers. I love his use of typography from advertisements and images that are randomly placed throughout his works.

Villeglés work reminds me of the intentional art that often happens in urban areas where advertisements are partially torn away revealing fragments of the previous advertisement. The raw energy that Villeglé captures in his work and the vibrant color inspires me in the way that New York inspires me with its grittiness and beauty.

You can see more of his work here and here.

Vintage Fruit Crate Labels.

Jane Maxwell turned me on to vintage fruit crate labels a few years back. She uses them in the collage of her art to make references to female anatomy in a tongue in cheek way.

The design of the labels is spectacular. It evokes a simpler time. I am drawn to the 3D type that is often used for the brand names. The labels remind me of old movie production studio advertisements that scroll before the movie starts.

Here is a small collection of some of my favorites.

Dumpster paintings by Rachel Maxi.

I find it interesting how artists become fixated on certain objects which then become a main focus of their work. Rachel Maxi, a Seattle artist, finds beauty in trash dumpsters around the country and has been painting them for some time. Maxi's depiction of these objects sometimes have a setting and other times sit on stark, white ground. Either way, she captures the beauty of these mundane objects that we overlook because of their purpose.

I am a fan because they are a perfect canvas for graffiti. Their colors are that of utilitarian design. Their markings tell the story of their owners, vandalism, and street art. In the end, Maxi shows beauty in objects that most people did not realize existed and that is what makes a good artist.

You can see more of her work here and here.

Sexist Advertising from the 70's.

My friend Dre forwarded me some advertising from the 1960's and 70's with strong sexist overtones. After watching three seasons of Madmen I can actually understand how ads like these got to print back on the day.

New Klutch pieces for sale!

My favorite Portland artist, Klutch, has some pieces for sale at great prices. If you are interested in any of them give him a shout here.

You can also see more of his work here.

Hy's Vintage Soda Labels.

I stumbled across these vintage soda labels from Hy's soda. Great colors and nice use of type.
"The taste tells" is also a great tag line! I wonder what the soda actually tasted like?
I bet it was sweetened with real sugar, not high fructose corn syrup like all sodas today.

Cathy Daley solo show opening at Edward Cella Gallery.

Cathy Daley contacted me with information from her new show that opens in Los Angeles tonight, November 7, 2009 from 6-9 PM at Edward Cella Gallery. The show is titled "Dance" and is aptly named. Daley's art is pure and simple. Her forms are elegant and her portrayal of motion and emotion is spot on.

If you are in the Los Angeles are please stop by and check out the opening.

You can see more of Cathy's work here and here.