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By Katherine Peach/Special to LAist
The Abbot Kinney gallery space POST NO BILLS hosted its first solo show Thursday featuring the dark side of pop culture jabbing at children's sugary cereal to the tragic Marilyn Monroe. ENGLISH 101 is a signature mash-up of pop culture and societal satire by multimedia artist Ron English, who lays claim to the term POPaganda. The bare brick walls showcased dimly-lit images that mixed superhero mythology, stabbing images (both literal and figurative) of corporate greed and the all encompassing fast-food culture.
English may be best known for "Abraham Obama" blending features of the 16th an 44th U.S. Presidents into a widely publicized image during the 2008 election. In his more than 20-year career, he has "liberated" commercial billboards expressing his own message of corporate America's intentions. The original character MC Supersized — a gluttonous version of Ronald McDonald usually boasting a smug grin and at times harem of cattle — was featured in the fast-food documentary, "Supersize Me."
English attended both the Oct. 6 and Oct. 7 showings signing posters and taking the time to chat with attendees. Thanks to an open bar and posters for the bargain price of $20, fans clutched more than a handful on their way out. English 101 precedes English's show of new original works, Seasons in Supurbia, at the Corey Helford Gallery in Culver City opening on November 19.
The name POST NO BILLS is coined from the stencil commonly identified on barriers erected around construction sites in an effort to deter clean walls from being altered. This is the fourth showing— following European Bailout and the debut with art collective Faile — for the print shop and gallery space that produces handmade limited edition multiples allowing budgets of all ranges to leave with art in tow. Works for English 101 ran from $20-$4,000 for posters, stickers and original pieces of art.
Tues-Sun: 11am-7pm
Mon: By appointment-only
1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd. Venice Beach.
