Pop and fresh
Belgian artist Georges Monfils calls on Warhol’s spirit in a new exhibit
By Carl Kozlowski 06/24/2010
Since Andy Warhol’s death in 1987, the world has been largely lacking a breakthrough visual pop culture artist able to bridge the gaps between celebrity and art. Belgian artist Georges Monfils has accepted that challenge with a dazzling array of works that are largely inspired by musical pop icons, such as Michael Jackson, the Black Eyed Peas, Eminem and Lady Gaga.
His latest mix of paintings, mixed media, sculptures and everything in between has been on display at Pasadena’s San Marino Gallery since April 24 and will be exhibited through July 15. Speaking from his current home in Corona (he also has studios in Miami Beach and New York City), the Columbia University-trained artist explained his fascination with his subjects and how he comes up with such innovative ideas as turning members of the Black Eyed Peas into superheroes.
“Art has been in my blood from conception,” he laughs. “The type of art has always been very pop like, since the time that I was in New York. When I was in college there was the time of Andy Warhol and [Warhol’s art collective] the Factory, so I was very influenced by that.”
Monfils’ depictions of Jackson, which immediately evoke comparisons to Warhol’s famed multiple images of Jackie Kennedy, are particularly striking and employ some actual record albums cut by Jackson as part of the surface background. Monfils used albums from his own collection to complete the works.
“I did the Michael pieces after he passed,” says Monfils. “The news caught me by surprise and I, as a way of grieving, looked up my record collection, undusted them and decided to put them all on my ITunes music library. I had just gotten a turntable again and downloaded them to my computer, and when I was done, it was time to give the records new life and put the pieces together. It was a way of thanking him for the phenomenal music and the artist he is.”
Monfils’ decision to use the Black Eyed Peas as subjects of wildly flashy superhero portraits — with leader Will.I.Am as Superman and Fergie as Wonder Woman — gives a decidedly more playful flavor to the exhibition. That’s fitting, considering his introduction to them was much happier than the sadness that inspired his Jackson works.
“I was invited to the Peas’ concert, and their music videos I’ve always found to be rather futuristic, and the way they posture themselves is always hero-like to me,” explains Monfils. “Plus, Will.I.Am. made some comments during the concert that meant he must have dreamt all this when he was younger.
“They pretty much had their dreams came true, and I think Will.I.Am always envisions himself as a fantastic deejay, so I gave him a Superman look. In the art piece, Will is shown as a youngster of 10 or 12, sneaking a Superman comic strip into his schoolbooks as he’s reading his school book. That’s the image I wanted to portray for all four of them; as youngsters imagining themselves in the future, but with Fergie singing into a microphone. But we all have certain dreams, and I love to play with that.”
George Monfils’ exhibition is being shown now through July 15 at the San Marino Gallery, 70 N. Raymond Ave., Pasadena. Call (626) 441-9027 or visit sanmarinogallery.com.
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