Winner Takes All / We Are the Champions
Is there any greater motivator than rivalry? Jealousy? Competition? So often, the legends in any field, whether it be art, sports or business are remembered in pairs, or movements. Edison vs. Tesla, Mozart vs. Saliare, Cobb vs. Ruth or even Jobs vs. Gates. It is in the motivation of a rivalry that often pushes extraordinary people beyond what they themselves had considered their own limits. This month we bring together artists from near and far to celebrate this energy, and some of the most celebrated duels.
For this show, each artist has chosen a rivalry. The artist will create two pieces, both sides of the chosen rivalry. One side of the rivalry will be on display at the Benjamin Benjamin Gallery, the other side of the rivalry at the Gigantic Gallery.
Artists On Display:
Brooks Casbaugh uses a keyed up CMYK palette, often times on unconventional mediums like mylar, to create an energetic portrayal of American youth.
Ian “South Bend” Seniff is a Portland based bloke who makes paintings. His work has been shown on many walls, some not his own. Ian’s work is a result of his childhood obsessions meeting his adult obsessions. However, it should be noted that many of his childhood obsessions have remained unchanged for over 25 years.
Viktor Hertz is a Swedish based freelance photographer and graphic designer with a passion for film, music and funny youtube videos. He is remarked for his pictogram work, particularly used for custom movie posters, and has been featured in Red Bubble and Bored Panda.
Jason Edward Davis is a big headed monster with shirts that are too small who gets inspiration from whiskey, horror movies, dating, self-help books, inspirational posters and organized events that take place in malls. Jason is a multiple award winning artist, including a Ford Family Foundation scholarship.
Bennett Slater is an illustrator and designer who spends most of his days glued to old science fiction fantasy films and Saturday morning cartoons. This fascination with the imaginatively absurd has formed a surprisingly stable connection with the way his mind imagines the constraints of the physical form, or lack thereof.
Shannon Larson is an artist, curator and lover spuds. Best known for transforming phenomenon of all sorts into potato based art, she is a friend
Myah Bailey: Known best for her digital illustrations and tilt-shift photography, Myah is an artist who enjoys exploring new and unorthodox processes. Myah was raised in Hartford Connecticut, received a BFA from Eastern Michigan University and currently resides in Portland. Her work has been featured on the websites of Share Some Candy, Juxtapoz and Atelier.
Susannah Kelly: Has always been drawn to the human figure, particularly the contorted and dilapidated. Much of her work revolves around these malformed beings and their attempts at meaningful interactions. The vague nature of love, trust, and understanding often creates uncertainty in our relationships.
Neil M. Perry is an artist and illustrator, with creative roots in Edinburgh, Scotland, currently living and working in Portland, Oregon. Neil has participated in group and solo exhibitions at galleries in Europe, the United States and Japan.
Erin Nations: Born in St. Louis, but currently residing in Portland, Erin uses youthful, simple imagery to capture a variety of emotions and subject matters. Her stylized characters evoke child like wonder, as well as complex adult emotions.
Katie Bacigalupi was born and raised in Fairfield, California home of the Jelly Bean. She is mainly inspired by strange memories, dreams, pop culture and her undying love for animals. Currently she lives in San Francisco, California.
Roxanne Patruznick is a Portland based artist remarked for her noir inspired female characters. She is a highly accomplished artist, and has worked as a character artist on such shows as King of the Hill and Southpark.
