Aggression is part of Matt Gondek’s signature “Deconstructed Pop Icons” series, and the first of its kind to be offered at auction. Pittsburgh-born but Los Angeles based artist Matt Gondek (b. 1982) borrows the graphic elements of popular cartoon franchise characters and pop icons that were a formative part of his childhood. Inspired by pop culture cartoons and their vivid colours, bold lines, and accessibility, Gondek appropriates characters from Homer Simpson to Mickey Mouse, as he seeks to reflect society’s day-to-day life and culture into his work. He has secured mural projects in American cities from Atlanta to Las Vegas, and his work has been featured in group and solo exhibitions across the globe, including two at Avenue des Arts Hong Kong, American Gods (2016) and Growing Pains (2018), and most recently Mood Swings (2020) at Avenue des Arts Paris. Notably, Aggression was featured in the THRIVE Group Exhibition at Avenue des Arts Los Angeles (2018).
The Artist’s Instagram on 29 April 2020
Installation shot at Avenue des Arts, Los Angeles, THRIVE
Gondek is particularly fond of Marvin the Martian from Warner Bro.’s Looney Tunes, a popular cartoon franchise, having also featured the character in his collectible toys and sculptures. An eight-foot tall sculpture inspired by Marvin the Martian, also named Aggression, was on display at his solo exhibition at Avenue des Arts Los Angeles in 2019. The current example features Marvin the Martian with Gondek’s signature twist, an exploded skull and black dripping paint. Painted with distinctively clean, thick lines and filled in with solid colours, his painting style is clearly reminiscent of comic book and cartoon illustrations. Gondek’s choice of a red background conveys a striking and bold force, and the pose of Marvin the Martian in his crackling signature green helmet and skirt splattered with black paint, holding a similarly crumbling gun, is cheeky yet assertive, enticing the viewer as they immediately recognise the character and gradually appreciate Gondek’s play on it.
Marvin the Martian in Aggression (2018) and its original character
Starting his career as a digital illustrator creating graphics and artworks for the music industry, Gondek’s works have risen in popularity over the past few years. His work has gained significant traction amongst collectors worldwide including those from Sweden, Germany, Paris, Canada, and Brazil, as they resonate with his use of popular cartoon characters in American culture.
Provenance
Avenue Des Arts, Los Angeles Private Collection, Hong Kong
Exhibited
Los Angeles, Avenue Des Arts, THRIVE, 18 May - 16 June 2018