Exposing A Private Moment

The level of detail and the distorted character designs are amazing as Scott G. Brooks makes a statement with his up-coming exhibition based on current events of "Domestic Terror."

Scott G. Brooks' statement:

We called the show 'Domestic Terror' because the work deals with the wide range of issues that could fall under such a headline. Several paintings focus on the terror that happens on the home front, such as dysfunctional families and screwed up relationships, while others focus on the political corporate forces terrorizing us. Most of the paintings are based in some way on news stories or events we've been subjected to recently. It seems like there is so much craziness going on right now and I try to capture just a little taste of that in my work.

Last Rites Gallery in New York, will host the "Domestic Terror" exhibition, beginning with an opening reception on September 12 from 7-11pm, and the exhibit will run till October 11.

Unfolding Drama

A cut above vintage books, Thomas Allen created these unique and dramatic sequences of storytelling by using existing vintage book covers and partially cut them to create an interesting photographs of dioramas.  Thomas was studying Criminal Justice at Wayne State University until he decided to take some art classes, a decision which changed his life. He graduated from WSU with a BFA and continued with MFA from University of Minnesota.

His up-coming exhibition titled, "EPILOGUE" at Foley Gallery in New York, beginning with open reception on September 10th 6-8pm and will run till October 10. His statement, "EPILOGUE – is an exhibition about 'endings' and the perfect way to end my work with altered paperbacks – a phenomenon that began, by accident, 10 years ago. The 15 scenarios run the gamut – the end of trust, the end of the chase, the end of an ordeal, the end of a show, the end of life, the end of innocence, the end of hope and the end of the line. They're all dark - literally and figuratively."

Aura Of Eeriness

There is something interesting with the unique choice of style and colors that is mysterious and zany.  Bryan Cooper's inspiration is based on his passion for old photographs.  He stated, "Old photos have an aura of eeriness in the sense that the subject has long been dead and all that's left is this photo... It's that aura that I've tried to recreate, but in a playful, zany way."

His process is by sculpture and photography, then lightly painting the surface with coffee and tea stains to age the image.  The series, "Portraits: The Art of B. Cooper" will be on display in Oklahoma at the Tulsa Performing Arts Center, December 1 - 21.

Bryan Cooper is a graduate of Oklahoma State University, experienced as a designer and an art director, as well as an illustrator. His work has appeared in the Society of Illustrators Museum in New York City and published in Society of Illustrators 48, Workbook and Directory of Illustration.