Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Gimmicky Artist Who Says He Invented 'Cosmic Extensionalism' Accused Of Rape

jackarmstrong2.jpg
Jack Armstrong (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images)

One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.

Jack Armstrong, a self-proclaimed 'cosmic artist' who has priced pieces of his art into the millions, was arrested Friday on suspicion of raping a woman while she was unconscious.The 56-year-old Armstrong was taken into custody by police at his home in Eagle Rock, according to the L.A. Times. Authorities claim that in March of 2010, Armstrong met the victim at a club in Beverly Hills and gave her "several beers," the Times reports. After blacking out, the victim came to in a hotel room with her underpants off and a naked Armstrong lying next to her.

Armstrong is known for his wild and colorful designs that fetch prices of up to $6 million. According to his website, he claims to have created a new kind of art called "Cosmic extensionalism." Armstrong is probably best known, however, for painting a Harley-Davidson in incredibly tacky yellow and red colors.

Armstrong posted bail after his arrest and is due in court on December 20 on one count of "Rape of an unconscious person," according to the L.A. Times. Investigators believe that he may have assaulted more women and are encouraging anyone with more information to call 310-285-2159.

One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.

If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today