The brick walls and concrete in the alley drip a bright, shiny red and there is a strong scent in the air. The scent is spray paint, and the red is an artist’s preferred color. Artist “Crook” paints the town red in the most literal sense of the phrase. Hailing from New Mexico, US, Juan “Crook” Gonzalez creates self-described “dreamist” pencil and ink drawings and paintings in acrylic. As he branches out to street art from fine art, his black, white, and red work can be seen tucked away in skate parks and on little canvases left on windowsills. You will be delighted to spot his quirky art on fire hydrants, skate decks, telephone poles…anywhere that holds paint is fair game.
His solo exhibit “Color Splash” at Art Obscura Gallery opens October 15, 2016.
Exhibition Dates:
October 15, 2016
3206 Harrelson
Mesilla Park NM, 88047 | USA
“[I want viewers to take away] A new perspective, often times a darker humor to a light subject as it reflects a lot of my personality. Including poetic ‘PUNch’ engaging the viewer, opposed to being judged whether it’s good or bad, pretty or ugly.” ∼Juan Crook Gonzalez
Juan Crook Gonzalez uses lettering frequently to help express meanings. Often times, if you look carefully, you can find his artist’s name “Crook” hidden, though sometimes not hidden at all, in much of his work. It is quite fun to look for and finally find it. Drawings and paintings are dripped on and splattered with pigment and dark humor. Also included in the artwork are familiar cartoon-inspired characters from your childhood; Mickey Mouse, Dr. Seuss, and The Muppets among others greatly influence Juan Crook Gonzalez’s concepts. Popular and well-known characters are transformed to fit Juan’s own ideals. These characters are very animated with their Mickey Mouse hands and flat, white-less eyes. They are always smiling, even as they drop bombs and their faces crack… even as they seem to be destined for ultimate peril.
