Opening Reception for New Work by Ron Buechele, Jim Mahfood, and Peat Wollaeger November 7, 2008

Mad Art Gallery proudly presents new work by Ron Buechele, Jim Mahfood, and Peat Wollaeger. This exhibit opens on Friday, November 7, 2008, and continues through December 2, 2008.

Buechele's new work explores liminality, the state of being on the threshold between two different existential planes. Buechele states, "Liminality can be expressed in different ways, but it is always referring to the state of being in limbo, being neither here nor there, existing in a no man's land. Once I happened upon the concept of liminality, I encountered it everywhere, even in my own life, and it has permeated my work. Liminal events mark the threshold from one phase of life to the next: a baptism, a bar mitzvah, a graduation, an engagement, or a honeymoon. The person experiencing a liminal event is between important stages of his life. Some people experience liminality by their virtue of their identity: the defendant who has been charged but not yet convicted of a crime, illegal immigrants, transgenders and bisexuals, those of mixed ethnicity. A fetus is another type of being that is caught between two states. A person may experience liminality by their presence at a location like an airport or hotel. Even on a micro level, an individual at a door, a window, or a bridge experiences a moment of liminality."
The images Buechele's in paintings are reminiscent of those used in advertising in the 1950's and 1960's. The images are wholesome and idyllic. His message is not. Buechele's images lull the viewer into a sense of nostalgia, and then like a sucker punch in the nose, Buechele's text serves up his message with an acerbic wit.

Jim Mahfood aka Food One is a muralist, comic book artist, painter, live art show rocker, and drunken free-styler extraordinaire. He has been working professionally as an artist since 1997, amassing an impressive cult following across the globe. His comic book work includes: illustrating film maker Kevin Smith's "Clerks" comics as well as various Spider-Man projects at Marvel Comics.

His creator-owned comic books include: GRRL SCOUTS, KICK DRUM COMIX, STUPID COMICS, FELT, ONE PAGE FILLER MAN, 40oz COLLECTED, PUTTIN' THE BACKBONE BACK, BAD IDEAS, CLASSIC 40 Ounce, and many more. His recent projects have included creating the murals and menu art for the coffee shop in the Sarah Silverman Program on Comedy Central and creating all the art featured in the new COLT 45 malt liquor ad campaign. WWW.TALESOFCOLT45.COM

Mahfood is also a member of the prestigious new Artsprojekt community which can be seen at www.artsprojekt.com. Mahfood's clients include Playboy, Colt 45 (Pabst Blue Ribbon), The Sarah Silverman Program, MTV, Okay Player, View Askew, Rhymesayers, Hollywood Records, Cartoon Network, Disney, Armani, URB, Spin Magazine, Phoenix New Times, Mad Magazine, Marvel Comics, Ubiquity Records, Star Wars Gamer, Def Jux, and DC Comics.

Internationally known for his whimsical, raw, and brightly-colored stenciled characters that include, Mr. Teeth, the Dead Fat Comedians, Albino Alley Cat, and the Luchador series, Peat Wollaeger is one hard-working artist. His work can been seen all over the globe. His Luchador room at Hotel Des Arts in San Francisco, his massive wall tribute to Keith Hairing at Art Basel in Miami, the 700,000 aluminum bottles of Mountain Dew with emblazoned with his original design, his recent exhibit in Melbourne, Australia, Peat Wollaeger's art is everywhere.

This exhibit promises to be like no other. Prepared to be surprised, entertained, and possibly offended. There will be a free opening reception kicking off this exhibit on Friday, November 7, 2008, from 7:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. Cash bar, complimentary appetizers, music.

Official Website: http://www.madart.com