Show Recap: Visual Mixtape

VISUAL MIXTAPE

by Sam Rodriguez & Public Meridian.

A compilation of our favorite multinational subjects visually manifested through graphics and custom bracelets.

The Show

Last week I came together with Public Meridian for our debut collaboration to celebrate internationality. This is the first in a series we are beginning on cultural blending and common interests that have been rising on a global level. Musicians were the topic of choice for this first show since they have such a universal impact. The “playlist” was based on our collective likes and what we think is important to our hosts, Cukui. The criteria for this compilation was that it had to have an international and local feel to it.
We hope you enjoy!
-Sam

The Goods

Original Paintings, and a box set that will includes a signed limited edition print and a custom bracelet that illustrates selected musicians. Cukui also made a limited edition tee based on one of my paintings. There are only a few of them left available through Cukui.com.

About Public Meridian

Public Meridian is an independent label from San Francisco that produces custom and limited edition bracelets.

Bjork Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Aqua Terra Jasper and Amazonite). Limited to 8 Editions. 

Erykah Badu Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Amethyst and Leopard Jasper). Limited to 10 Editions. 

J Boog Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Lava Rock, Bayong Wood, & Wood Chips). Limited to 10 Editions.

Mac Dre Box Set: Signed Print & Bracelet (made from Snow Obsidian and Multi Color Stone). Limited to 10 Editions.

Click Images to Enlarge...

B.I.G. Step By Step

The following are some step by step photos of my process in creating a recent piece for my upcoming show at Cukui.  

For the most part, I try to avoid painting portraits of celebrities because I feel the work may lack a sense of wonder, and mystery. I also worry if people won't see passed their mental image of who the iconic figure is.  Most times I prefer anonymous faces to begin paintings with because I use them as a starting point. I usually try to keep just enough to highlight a certain expression. This sensibility is probably from my experience through graffiti where you basically tweak and reinterpret legible typography based on your feelings and movement.

Well for my current show, I am going against my usual thoughts on portraiture. For a while now i have been wanting to paint a series based on various musicians through my own artist lens because music has provided so much inspiration and therapy for me. Due to my own prejudices on this type of portraiture I have avoided it. But damn it, sometimes you just gotta let it out! I hope to go past what a photograph can capture by absorbing a feeling and releasing it through the work.

Who is The Notorious B.I.G.? Certainly I don't know. Is he a Coogi pattern with shades, and a crown? I started with these elements, which are so very graphic as visual identifiers, and decided to abstract them and find new forms and compositions. I'm not sure what you get from it as I cannot dictate your feelings but I definitely stumbled onto some unexpected results and stopped the painting at a place that I feel is new and interesting. Enjoy! 

Source: http://samrodriguezart.com