Lazarus Rising, Ron English |
Could you tell us a bit about your new exhibition, and it's relation to resurrection? Is this a concept you believe in, spiritually?
The underlying theme of Lazarus Rising is resurrection and the ongoing dialog between the living and the dead. It is also a study of the current spiritual and creative phoenix that is not only rising out of but also deeply rooted in the cultural ashes of our artistic ancestors in the mythical gold - and landmines lurking beneath society's surface. It is a concept I believe in, intellectually and spiritually. Just because you imagine something, doesn't mean it's not real.
East West Guernica, Ron English |
I don't know if it's because I have a deep appreciation of Picasso or it's just the arrogance of the living, but I do have a very intense and sustained obsession with Picasso's Guernica.
American Mascots, Ron English |
Probably Ronald McDonald. We are the same age and share the same first name. I also think it's odd that the mascot of this huge corporation is a clown. For me, Ronald is a kind of corporate franchise Christ. The Catholic church was the first franchise, with Jesus as its mascot. Ronald is the second coming.
Do you still hijack billboards? Can we look forward to any in London?
Yes, but I don't typically tell people when and where I am doing them.
Abraham Obama, Ron English |
It feels good to have a smart president.
Kiss The Bride, Ron English |
I have two museum shows coming up in the next couple of years. I will probably borrow about half the work for the shows and create new large-scale paintings for the other half. I'm also doing a series of installations in galleries in South Korea, China and the American Midwest. And I have some of the best toys I've ever made coming out this fall, along with t-shirt collabs with Planet Illogica and Hurley, and sneakers with Etnies.
Ron's exhibition, Lazarus Rising, will be on show at the Elms Lester Painting Rooms from 8 May until 6 June. More info at www.elmslesters.co.uk
A limited edition book has been printed by the gallery to accompany the exhibition. Ron English will be in the gallery 12 - 2pm on 9 May to sign copies of the book.
See more of his work at www.popaganda.com
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