GROUP SHOWS & OTHER STUFF
Cosmic Consciousness & The Politics of Punk Rock Art
Copyright 2010 Charles Wish
"In properly organized groups no faith is required; what is required are simply truth and a little trust."
-- George Gurdjieff“Well that's our responsibility… to dig up sore spots and that kinda shit; that's what wakes you up… that’s what gets you listening." -- Lee Ving
When kept to myself, I tend to produce a series of pieces focused on a central concept. The entire decision making process in this scenario is solely left up to me. However, I do sometimes get involved in various group showings and commission projects, where the decision making is then placed in the direct company of others’ opinions and tastes. This gallery is dedicated to some of that work.
So far, most of the work I’ve exhibited in these group shows has been billed as Lowbrow or Pop Surreal. Trendy labels, like this, fascinate me. While I have nothing against either of these descriptions -- they are, and will likely remain, legitimate ways to describe a tremendous catalogue of stunning visual mastery -- they’re not exactly the words I would choose first to describe the imagery on display at these viewings. Call me stubborn, but the work always just seemed to be a continuing expression of what the kids refer to as “Punk Rock.”
Directly challenging pseudo-political correctness, unapologetically exposing the hypocrisy of complex social issues, such as organized religion and behavioral norms, and executed with technical skill and expertise that was not strictly necessary but nonetheless remarkable—this work is a near-perfect blend of provocation, truth, and audacity. These were exactly the sort of paintings that should’ve adorned the walls of Fender’s Ballroom. If only mustache John would’ve been willing to afford them.
Another observation I made about the images exhibited on these occasions was their profound metaphysical undercurrent. The ability to courageously confront death and morbidity has always been an integral part of any resolute spiritual practice, and much of the work displayed at these showings humbly, yet unapologetically, embraced this with tremendous poise and know-how.
Everybody is a supernatural somebody. And I certainly don’t mean that in some new-age, “wishy-washy” sense. You are the first and last wonder of the world, a never-ending extension of the one and only cosmic-conscious continuum. However, the road to coming to terms with that existential situation certainly isn’t all rainbows and singing monks.
What’s more, transcending, not avoiding, the uncomfortable things that trigger us – something that has to happen if we want to get anywhere with understanding our whole selves – is never easy. Celebrating the harsher, unattractive side of life in a stylish way that points towards the light is often just as demanding. Tempering this sort of aesthetically confrontational shock medicine with genuine compassion is something much of the work in these group shows delivered flawlessly – a quality that, for me, embodies the essence of the best Punk Rock.
Still, however you choose to describe or label the work herein is, ultimately, up to you. There’s nothing necessarily concrete about it. But what I do know for certain is this: the images featured in this gallery represent a potent time of growth and expression for me, and I will forever be grateful for that. It wasn’t always trouble-free and certainly wasn’t always orgasmic, but it was, most definitely, worthwhile. And, I sincerely hope that everyone who graciously allowed and accepted my participation in these group offerings gained as much from them as I did.
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Titles & Descriptions
The images here vary widely in subject and theme and roughly span a time period of 2005 up to the present.
Paintings:
1) Title: The Hypothesis of Linda Keith. (2016)
Dimensions & Medium: 44x63 in. -- Oil on Canvas.
Description: No description provided.
2) Title & Date: Truman’s Eden & The Neuroses of Sayyid Qutb. (2006)
Dimensions & Medium: 33x48 in. -- Oil on Canvas.
Description: A visual exploration into the defining elements of the materialistic American dream and the envy they are capable of unleashing. Copro Gallery 15th Anniversary group show, 2006.
3) Title: Parson Al’s Fable. (2005)
Dimensions & Medium: 30x48 in. -- Acrylic on Canvas.
Description: “Static Cinema” group show -- C-Pop Gallery, 2005
4) Title: Yama & The Dead of Antietam. (2012)
Dimensions & Medium: 30x36 in. – Oil on Canvas.
Description: Yama (the lord of death) discerning souls of the American civil war. “Juxtapoz 18,” group show -- Copro Gallery, 2012.
5) Title: Yami Crushing Flowers. (2012)
Dimensions & Medium: 18x24 in. – Oil on Canvas.
Description: Yami (the mistress of death) taking advantage of industrial technology. “Dark-Pop,” group show -- Last Rights Gallery, 2012.
6) Title: Apocalyptic Popcorn. (2006)
Dimensions & Medium: 33x48 in. -- Acrylic on Canvas.
Description: Secular Bravado against the certainty of ecumenical doom.
“Nostradamus” group show -- Copro Gallery, 2006
7-10) Title: Selected Background Stills for Dead Meadow’s “Three Kings” film. (2010)
Dimensions & Medium: All 18x24 in. – Acrylic on Canvas.
Description: All six of these pieces were produced as backgrounds for the animation sequence in the live concert film “Three Kings” from the band Dead Meadow. They borrow from a diverse range of influences including: Arnold Böcklin, Grant Wood & Theodor Kittelsen.
11) Title: Song of Solomon. (2011)
Dimensions & Medium: 26x26 in. – Oil on Canvas.
Description: A commentary on the fine line between lust & unconditional love. This piece features a farmer who is confronted and moved by the magnificence of nature on a daily basis, but can never interpret such without being diluted by the wanton object of his superficial yearning. “Geneses to Revelations,” group show -- Copro Gallery, 2011.
12) Title: Saint Benedict & The Riddle of Celibacy. (2016)
Dimensions & Medium: 27x27 in. – Oil on Canvas.
Description: No description provided. Private showing Elk County Council on The Arts – Elk County, PA, 2016.
Drawings:
1) Title: “Cassandrian Exodus” Fiver’s Foresight & The Long Hare of Death-1. (2011)
Dimensions & Medium: 18x26 in. (apprx.) Graphite, Ink & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: This is the center piece in an ensemble of 5 images that revolve around R. Adams’ story: “Watership Down." These were included in the group show (curated by Greg Simkins for Gallery 1988) entitled: "INLE.” They feature four drawings of rabbits from various social castes: Aristocracy, Priestly, Merchant and Peasant. I used traditional playing card suits (which is what they originally represent) to symbolize each of these classes. I also show these various suits sealed in jars to demonstrate that each of these four rabbits feel safe and secure in, but are existentially limited by their social roles. However, in the fifth/central drawing we see Fiver (the visionary of the story) challenged by the presence of death & class which he must negotiate and transcend if he is to fulfill his destiny. Finally, I’ve included the temple serpents (from the original Cassandra) licking Fiver’s ears clean and therefore providing him with the unfathomable, yet driving vision of things to come.
2) Title: “Cassandrian Exodus” Fiver’s Foresight & The Long Hare of Death-2. (2011)
Dimensions & Medium: 5 ½ x 9 ½ in. Graphite, Ink & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: Aristocracy caste.
3) Title: “Cassandrian Exodus” Fiver’s Foresight & The Long Hare of Death-3. (2011)
Dimensions & Medium: 6 ½ x11 ½ in. Graphite, Ink & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: Merchant caste.
4) Title: “Cassandrian Exodus” Fiver’s Foresight & The Long Hare of Death-4. (2011)
Dimensions & Medium: 6 ½ x11 ½” Graphite, Ink & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: Priestly caste.
5) Title: “Cassandrian Exodus” Fiver’s Foresight & The Long Hare of Death-5.(2011)
Dimensions & Medium: 8 ½ x 13 ½ in. Graphite, Ink & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: Peasant caste.
6) Title: Krampus & The Ghost of Christmas Past. (2004)
Dimensions & Medium: 18 x23 in. Graphite, Ink & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: “Krampus Christmas Show” group show piece -- Copro Gallery.
7) Title: Chance Dances With Cars. (2008)
Dimensions & Medium: 16x16” in. Graphite & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: A Hotrodder’s continuation on Grant Wood’s “Death on the Ridge Road,”
“Carnivoria” group show piece -- L’imagerie Gallery.
8) Title: The Taste of Fuzzy Dice. (2008)
Dimensions & Medium: 16x23 in. Graphite & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: “Carnivoria” group show piece -- L’imagerie Gallery.
9) Title: The Burden of Modern Mobility. (2008)
Dimensions & Medium: 15x23 in. Graphite & Watercolor on Paper.
Description: “Carnivoria” group show piece -- L’imagerie Gallery.
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updated January 2025
