"Einstein Love is the Answer" Mr. Brainwash, 2023.
The UK is a brilliant mix of historical architecture nestled between contemporary structures, vibrant with creative energy and an ever-expanding art scene. It’s well-known that Pop Art originated in London in the 1950s. Since then, the art form has flourished into a sensation, practiced by famous artists worldwide.
"Iris" Mr. Brainwash, 2023.
Seventy-five years later, the slate-covered sidewalks and cobblestone streets of Cambridge attest that the continuity of the Pop Art movement is alive and well.
Pop Art is a stark and unexpected contrast from the famous, classical architecture that lines the streets of England. On the side of one street is a 12th-century structure called the Round Church, situated comfortably among the narrow passages of shops and restaurants. On the other side are the colleges of Cambridge that embody all the best of Elizabethan, Neo-Classical and historic medieval towers and turrets that comprise the university.
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The scenery would lead one to believe that the art galleries would cater to the majesty of time gone by with moody, dark oil paintings of ancient nobles or still life scenes from a kitchen of the past. While that genre may be available at numerous museums, it can’t compete with the vibrant installations I enjoyed viewing in local galleries such as Clarendon Fine Art.
"EVERYDAY LIFE !!!" Mr. Brainwash, 2020.
Van Gogh may have painted “Irises” in the 1800s, a timeless and beautiful impressionist take on the flowers. But, he would likely never understand why there would be such interest in Mr. Brainwash’s Pop Art interpretation of his work with the painting “Iris.”
“Irises” begins with the recognizably similar brush stroke of the eye-catching blue irises but takes a playful twist with the flowers rising from an internationally recognized can of Tomato Soup (labeled Tomato Paint). It makes an effortless call-back to the most famous Pop Art created by Andy Warhol, “Campbell’s Soup Cans.” The painting is bright, demonstrates genuine artistic talent and is surprising in its subject matter.
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Mr. Brainwash (AKA Thierry Guetta) is a celebrated French-born, Los Angeles-based street artist. Another piece of his, “Einstein,” is a confluence of ideas and images arranged in a collage of layers, exposing thoughts and messages to the viewer. The colors are vibrant in contrast to the black-and-white photo of Albert Einstein in the center. It’s a cheerful work of art with the right amount of unrestricted freedom. Seeing art that doesn’t make you find the message is nice. Instead, it’s presented directly in front of you.
"Souper-Duper You" Doug Hyde.
Another artist whose work I found interesting is Doug Hyde. A soup enthusiast, he has also gained notoriety with his simplistic style and loving messaging formed around the soup can labeled “Friendship.” Hyde’s work typically includes his trademark puffy white characters with a 70s-style “Have a nice day” wide grin. His art holds a lot of uplifting images of hearts, repeatedly sending the message of love.
Hyde’s style leaves the viewer undeniably sure of the implied meaning without working for a high-brow interpretation. He expresses several subject matters. Some of his works include animals such as cats, dogs, hedgehogs and mice, each echoing a very pure and generous love for one another.
It is fantastic to see the evolution of Pop Art continue since its inception in 1952 with The Independent Group in London. If it was ever considered a fad, it has proven to be one that won’t fade.
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