Explaining the title piece to his new exhibition, Lovely Day, Patrick Martinez says, “I painted a bed of flowers typical to Los Angeles and took what I was doing with neon which is inspired by L.A. store fronts and combined the two."
The show, in essence, is about the juxtaposition of LA's beautiful climate and sometimes "evil" activity on the streets. Martinez ably balances inner city toughness with everyday vulnerability. These themes are most evident in "Culture Of Honor," a painting depicting a thuggish gentleman dressed in a child's floatation device at the beach. Again, the idea is point out underlying fears. For the exhibition, Martinez has also created two vending machines which will dispense stickers featuring his now trademark pragmatic phrases. Exhibit goers can then expect to brighten their day with a winning souvenir.
We expect Lovely Day to further solidify Martinez's rising star.
Lovely Day opens on June 16 and runs through July 7, 2012.
Known Gallery, 441 North Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
