Related -- the Lowbrow Art Movement

Image by Jeff Soto

My illustrative pursuits might not be just my soul searching, but my soul becoming current. Apparently, Juxtapoz magazine founder, Robert Williams, has coined the term "Lowbrow Art" for the recent flow of street art and illustration that has come to cover gallery walls in most art meccas. This is our movement here in Los Angeles.

I like to think of this movement as more of an acceptance than a retreat. It's our culmination of pop culture and our subjective awareness that makes it art. Rothko, who's paintings are far more expensive than say Murakami's (a Lowbrow artist)paintings, would argue that this is not fine art. But I am constantly at odds with Mark Rothko because I don't feel that art should be defined, but rather embraced. This art is relative and speaks of the times we live in. It boldly attacks expecation and convention in one swoop.

The artwork that stems from graffiti, cartoons, comic books, and even logos are now being appreciated. Mostly inspired by music and beloved imagery from our youth, we begin to accept cute as an art. So much that people buy it and love it for the accessibility. This is what I'm contributing to now, but who knows what it will be in 5 years.