Ohio artist Robert Brandenburg “hijacks” existing mass-produced oil paintings to great effect. He has a solo show, appropriately titled “Pooh… and Other Sh*t,” opening tomorrow at Gallery 1988 in Venice, California. From his artist statement:
These pictures began as a family tradition of giving each other ‘gag gifts’ for Christmas; I took cheap oils from a local flea market and embellished them with absurdities. Do I ever feel guilty about painting over someone else’s work ? Nope. I only modify artwork and objects that have been mass produced as general consumer goods: these can be found in commercial flea markets, ‘starving artists sales’ at hotels, the supermarket, or ordered directly from the source (production line paintings made in China). An original, unique piece of art is off limits; even if it’s a stinker from a 7th grade art class. I take the mundane and turn it into something special.
Robert Brandenburg (Thanks, Greg Long!)