JUST LET GO

Sometimes we hold on to things that weigh us down. Burden us. Like hungry wolves. If we can, we should let it go, take off the coat and head toward the sun. I have two pieces in the San Jose Creatives group show at KALEID Gallery.

JUST LET GO
Mixed Media

Half Asleep

Have you ever felt like your dream or nightmare was so real that you really weren't sure in that half asleep state? That's what inspired this painting.

Half Asleep
Watercolor, ink

REZHIM

A piece I created in response to Pussy Riot, the Russian female punk band that are currently on trial for speaking out against Putin. The piece also represents a beaten super hero/hypnotized woman that's forced to drink what the goverment has given her. Politics, control, the usual.

REZHIM - Regime
India ink, Gouache

Group show at KALEID Gallery 7/14

Exquisite Corpse is based on the Surrealists techniques exploiting the mystique of spontaneity and collaborative creativity through a visual parlor game. The exhibition will take place in the feature gallery of KALEID with a public artists reception on July 14th 7-10 pm and will be on view through July 27th. Each participating artist was given a blank piece of paper on which they created one third of a figure (head or torso or legs, assigned at random). KALEID Gallery staff will collect and arrange all 60 of the individual pieces into a unexpected complete figure. Come out!

I'm happy that I got legs as my project. My piece is based on Chinese Communism, a mix of humor and extremism. I used symbols dealing with China's current collapsing economy, shoddy imports, crimes against humanity, the un-scrupulous one child family planning policy for instance. Women bear the very men who sit in these seats, the archaic scrutiny is rather shocking.

Hencho en China
Mixed Media

Veil Interpretation

Over the years I've been fascinated by veils and coverings. Although the wearing of veils lies in constant question, so should the reasons for lack of clothing. I've definitely incorporated the interest into my art. I like to buy statues and give them my own spin with a dia de los muertos influence. I grew up in a catholic family, although I wasn't completely made to practice, it was more than present in my childhood. Although I do question catholic antics, I like the paraphernalia. I find the range from antiquated beauty to gaudiness inspiring. Here are a few pieces of my art above. Below are some profound photos. Muslim Brides and Anti-GaGa rebellion!

Among Muslim women, the debate about hijab takes many forms. Many believe that the veil is a way to secure personal liberty in a world that objectifies women. Understood in such terms, hijab protects women from the male gaze and allows them to become autonomous subjects. The veil is not a uniquely Islamic convention; the practice has a long history in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Catholic nuns engage in the practice, of course, and there are several references to the practice in both the Old and New Testaments. Ironically, the representation of veiling in the Bible is much more problematic than those in the Qur'an or the Hadith, because the Judeo-Christian sources imply that women should be covered because of their inherent inferiority.

I can totally relate to them - Muslim elementary school student holds a defaced poster of US pop singer Lady Gaga during a protest in Solo, Central Java, Indonesia, against her concert that is scheduled to be held on June 3. Lady Gaga might have to cancel her sold-out show in Indonesia because police worry her sexy clothes and dance moves undermine Islamic values and will corrupt the country's youth.

Hoo

Here's a little abstract owl I painted for my friend Van Bui. 

Teenage Lunch

 

On top is my painting of Lydia, on the bottom is a poster from Black Box. I just so happened to stumble upon a CD of some old art of mine Frances had put together. I honestly never thought I'd see this again. It's not the greatest image, but it works. I gave it to some friends some time ago.