Aussie Artist Johnny Romeo Rocks Porter Contemporary With "Grindhouse!"

What comes to mind when you hear the word "Grindhouse?" A Tarantino movie?  That's the image I immediately conjure up, like most people, right?  Acclaimed Australian artist Johnny Romeo nails it through his tough, colorful, pop-contemporary, acclaimed art works.  He describes his latest exhibition "Grindhouse" as a "napalmed-drenched love letter to the cinema and further describes his works as a celebration of sex, drugs and rock n' roll."  That is what we saw and loved at Porter Contemporary last week as they presented Romeo's killer-debut solo show in the states.

Romeo's rich colors, strong lines and true grit show his vivid aesthetic that's capturing worldwide attention.  He's represented by galleries in Australia and New Zealand and is now making his mark on NYC.

 

Johnny Romeo and Jessica Porter

"Romeo's pop-savvy approach lends the series an air of witty nostalgia in this tongue-in-cheek examination of the grim world of Grindhouse," says Jessica L. Porter, Founder and Director of Porter Contemporary.  

The artist by his signature piece, and my favorite!

It was an honor to meet Romeo and talk with him about his latest pieces and collaborative work with the band Blink-182. (You can see more of that on his website listed below.)  

   GQ magazine describes his art as "punk and pop, rock n' roll graffiti."

Another favorite artist represented by Porter; Jason Bryant

You can't miss this one, trust me - again. The vibrant colors alone will perk up your winter!

 Romeo's exhibition runs through March 30, 2013 and the gallery is located in Chelsea at 548 W28th.  

Also visit http://portercontemporary.com & http://johnnyromeo.net/blog-wp/

Porter Contemporary Presents Jason Bryant - GET HIS ART NOW!

Soon he will be un-affordable!  My humble opinion at least.  I LOVE his work and if you like a mix of contemporary, fine art and street art, you will too.  Just as good is being at Porter Contemporary Gallery in Chelsea, one of the best and my favorites in the area. Here are a few photos taken at the Porter space at PULSE, and going back a few weeks from the opening Rolling Stone show (running thru May 26th, don't miss it!)  More info below.... 

Shots with the iphone & Instagram, a view of Bryant's display, he painted the petals on the wall for the show!

Other un-edited photos of Bryan's pieces at PULSE

And on skateboards....

Porter & Bryant, hey did you see his tie?!  

Bryant's signature piece for the show!

I first discovered Jason Bryant at "A Rolling Stone" show at Porter in April.  The exhibit is a celebration of 50 years of the Rolling Stones" says Jessica L. Porter, Founder and Director of Porter Contemporary (and the nicest gallerist in town!)   She describes the show as those who keep moving and are never lacking for fresh ideas or creativity.  Besides Bryant, the show also features the works of JaH-HaHo, Naoto Hattori, Jennifer Murray (whose illustrations I also love), Adam Normandin, Johnny Romeo and Two One.


The photos are mainly of Bryant's exhibit, who is from North Carolina and lives/works in NYC.  He's been features in Juxtapoz Magazine, NY Arts Magazine and American Artist among others and a has worked for Kehinde Wiley and Bjarne Melgaard.  All the artists (and the gallery) and amazing and approachable, which we love. Being able to speak with Jessica casually and her friendly approach to patrons and the artists is what makes her successful gallery so very successful.  Her other business is Art To Gift, http://arttogift.com/ which brings affordable art to collectors.  


Visit Art To Gift and http://portercontemporary.com/  and make sure to sign up for her gallery/events email. You don't want to miss her incredible exhibitions, trust me!