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| Copyright Lazarides Gallery |
American artist Ron English studied photography but chose to concentrate on becoming an exquisite painter and an inspiring street artist.
From 1982 to 1984 he was part of an art crew who modified billboards to communicate criticism on politics and consumerism with passers-by. An essential characteristic of his oeuvre remains this culture jamming: the liberation of an advertisement's commercial message by adding his own, often by means of the use of colorful pop culture's iconography. No need to say English feels inspired by Andy Warhol. His subversive POPaganda conveys sociopolitical satirical reflections on modern culture.
Hand painted popular imagery as comic superheroes, Disney characters, animals, cowgirls and skeletons are used to open a humorous dialogue with the public, often leading to media discussions. The pop iconoclast's Abraham Obama pieces during the 2008 presidential campaign had a strong impact on the election.
Like Dan Witz, English is also a master in photorealistic painting. His versions of symbolical artworks as Picasso's Guernica or Degas' the Absinthe Drinkers illustrate his craftsmanship. Street pirate Ron English simply deserves the name he has on the street.
