Jun 07 - 29 2014
We're Gonna Miss You - All New Works by Robert

We're Gonna Miss You - All New Works by Robert "Sticky" Shaw

Presented by AR4T - Artists Republic for Tomorrow at AR4T - Artists Republic For Tomorrow

This solo exhibition features colorful members of the animal kingdom overlaying personal pandemonium. Continuing in his vibrant-hued study of memory, love, loss, and pain, using backgrounds stamped with authentic memorabilia and street-art inspired chaos, the southern California artist runs a current of hyper-activity, with a focus on awareness, though his new work.

“We’re Gonna Miss You” is Sticky’s second solo show with the gallery; he has been part of one dozen group shows here. AR4T co-owner Mark Weiner says, "When I first glimpsed Sticky's work, a punk rock themed mixed media painting titled "Crass", in the gallery's window in Laguna, I was immediately struck by it's visual impact and had to learn more. Amidst the angst, there was a depth of honesty and purity. In the last few years Sticky's work has evolved with more of a control of the chaos, especially in his linear grid work. Not confining, but giving perspective to the subject matter. It's the thread that ties it all together. Through his painting he continues to express his unique and powerful lust for life."

Choosing to bring awareness to endangered and precious animals, Sticky’s all new series features polar bears, Japanese spadefish, tree frogs and rare birds. “Our world is changing so much right now. We’re going to see a lot in our lifetime. Our children are going to get this mess of a world, but the animals are the ones that are going to feel it first,” explains the artist. A definitive human footprint appears in Sticky’s signature style, as his canvases are marked by fragmented letters, ticket stubs, old photos and other scraps saved over the artist’s lifetime. One person in particular is in each piece. “My dad always lives in my paintings. I love that he kept old letters from World War II, and newspapers from the 1940s, because then I get to pass them along,” he says.

Joining Sticky’s new series will be works curated by the artist, including a new original painting by Valient Himself (the lead singer of the North Carolina rock band Valient Thorr) and a collaborative effort with Los Angeles artist Lauren Over, among others. Additionally, Sticky’s original paintings depicting characters created for Lib Tech snowboard graphics in 2013 will be on view.

Admission Info

FREE

Dates & Times

2014/06/07 - 2014/06/29

Location Info

AR4T - Artists Republic For Tomorrow

1175 South Pacific Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651