http://guyhepner.com/pages/news/the-mona-lisa-blue-boy-and-the-last-supperThe Mona Lisa, Blue Boy and The Last Supper
Sep 09th, 2010
GUY HEPNER PRESENTS JASON ALPER’S
“Proletarian Drift and the Enfranchisement of the Bourgeoisie in the 21st Century”
Opening Reception September 25, 2010, 7-10 p.m.
LOS ANGELES – Sept 2, 2010 – Irreverent self-confessed “rookie” artist Jason Alper is at it again—only this time, he’s taking on Da Vinci. “Proletarian Drift and the Enfranchisement of the Bourgeoisie in the 21st Century” features eight new oils in which Alper—co-creator of the Ali G, Borat and Bruno characters with Sacha Baron Cohen—superimposes one of the best-known logos of our time on some of the best-known artworks on the planet. Picture a Louis Vuitton-branded tablecloth adorning Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”, for example.
Alper’s wry fusion of contemporary and classic icons explores notions of familiarity, over-exposure, and authorship, served up with the fearless humor that has characterized his work as a costume designer (who could forget Borat’s neon mankini?). These latest works elaborate on themes explored in Alper’s April show, “It’s All Back On”, which completely sold out despite being the artist’s first art show.
“Proletarian Drift and the Enfranchisement of the Bourgeoisie in the 21st Century” presents a rare opportunity for serious collectors and fans to take another glimpse inside the mind of a true maverick. “It’s quite simple. The art world has forgotten about humor and irony. Shouldn’t all of this be fun? I’m simply trying to make people smile when they see my work,” says Alper. A series of limited edition screenprints will also be available for purchase.
“Brilliant use of logos…Alper cleverly but reverently mixes luxury brands and fine art.”
--Vogue
“Alper has put (Sacha Baron-Cohen) in all sorts of outrageous get-ups — now he is ribbing the art world in a similar way.”
--New York Times
“The man who created Bruno’s anatomically correct bull costume is definitely going for laughs.”
--LA Times
The opening reception takes place on September 25, 2010, 7-10 p.m. at Guy Hepner, 300 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90048. Jason Alper will be present, and available for interview.
About the Artist
Jason Alper was born and raised in England. A cockney boy who was inspired after exploring the thriving fashion and art scenes that London had to offer. Schooled in art history by his father, he developed a passion for classical and baroque artists whose works he would see hanging in the art musuems of London. “My main influences were my family. We had a couple of Canalettos in the house; my aunt had a series of Gainsboroughs, and my nan had a Caravaggio.” As a means of paying homage to his favorite artists, he decided to “improve” their paintings a little bit. “I’m not laughing at the art world, far from it,” Alper explains. “If anything, I’d like the art world to be the one that’s laughing, or at least smiling. It’s time for everyone to loosen up. This is supposed to be just fun.”
www.jasonalper.com
About Guy Hepner
Guy Hepner is one of the world’s premier galleries for contemporary art and photography collectors. Founded over a decade ago in London, Guy Hepner is now housed in a gallery space in Los Angeles designed by a top architect, on West Hollywood’s elite Robertson Boulevard adjacent to many luxury boutiques including Fendi Casa, Chanel, Armani and Dolce & Gabanna. Guy Hepner specializes in pop art, neo pop art and high fashion photography. Representing many of the world’s most celebrated photographers and advising many top corporate, museum, celebrity and private collections, Guy Hepner has been involved in the acquisition of many of the most iconic images of the last decade. Guy Hepner is known for continually being ahead of the trend line for identifying emerging artists and has repeatedly been acknowledged as developing the careers of several now major artists. Currently Guy Hepner represents 3 of the 5 most illustrious photographers in the world.
Media inquiries:
Caroline Ryder at R. Rock Enterprises. T: 323.669.3111
caroline@rrockenterprises.com
Please contact the gallery for further information and availability. Appointments are available 7 days a week for private viewing and discussing your collecting needs.
Guy Hepner
300 N Robertson Blvd.
West Hollywood CA, 90048
info@guyhepner.com
Tel: +1 310.979.0011
www.guyhepner.com
www.twitter.com/guyhepner
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