ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Western Artwork is within the title. And in Americana, nothing says Western like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne. So, when a displaying of some particular items by Pop artist Ben Steele was obtainable, the James Museum of Western and Wildlife Artwork jumped on the probability to point out his work.
What they’re saying:
The artist primarily based in Utah marries iconic western pictures with the pop artwork types of Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein. However Ben Steele doesn’t simply restrict his work to pop artists, any classical artist is honest recreation as nicely.
“Ben Steele is considerably of a chameleon in his fashion,” shared Emily Kapes, “He takes acquainted objects or pictures from popular culture and even well-known works from artwork historical past, and he mashes them up in actually intelligent methods.”
Kapes is the curator of Artwork on the James Museum and spoke concerning the particular exhibit and all of the totally different nods to the unique artists in every bit.
Followers of Michelangelo will acknowledge the David sculpture within the portray, Michelang-a-Doh. Ben Steele painted the picture of the statute of David within the colours of Play-doh.
Within the piece, Western Sauce, actor Clint Eastwood is featured in his outfit from “Fistful of {Dollars},” however as an alternative of the cowboy staring down unhealthy guys, he’s staring off of a can titled Spaghetti Western Sauce.
“Western Sauce” Ben Steele artwork
“The small print in among the works are simply spectacular,” stated Kapes, “It actually brings realism to this piece.”
There’s a drawing of John Wayne on an etch-a-sketch that connects a viewer to their childhood, however the picture is impressively finished with the {photograph} posed subsequent to it for reference.
“It’s all the time enjoyable to attach with the artwork in that manner,” admitted Kapes.
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What’s subsequent:
The artist will likely be visiting the James Museum in January for a particular speak about his work.
To study extra concerning the exhibit and Ben Steele’s go to to the museum, click on right here.
The Supply: This story was written primarily based on an interview with the curator of the James Museum.
