"Bad For Your Health" Mixed Media on Wood, 72x48"
London-based artist Word To Mother‘s latest work is now showing at the White Walls Gallery in San Francisco. “Can’t Afford to be Broke” features assemblages with figures, patterns, and typography painted in mixed media over worn wooden panels. Known for his textural layered compositions, Word To Mother (WTM) uses layers of gestural marks to create textured expanses of muted tones. Relying upon a sophisticated natural palette, WTM creates a subdued, even depressed, environment, peppered with small explosions of fluorescent primary colors.
Using a distinctive weathered hand-crafted style, along with past and current pop icons and messages displayed with artful typography, WTM creates a commentary on the state of our economy and society. The pieces evoke a strong sense of broken-dreams and helplessness tempered with glimmers of hope depicted through humor, symbols, and the occasional use of bright colors.
WTM says, “Everyone’s perception of ‘Broke’ is different. It’s all relative to our situation. In situations where celebrity riches and materialistic lifestyles are portrayed by the media, we have been conditioned to feel more valued as an individual based upon what we own, rather than our actions. People are emotionally broke, financially broke, and physically broke, from the structure of the society we live in. Unless we educate ourselves, work hard, and take the right risks, we won’t get anywhere. We won’t get out. We will continue to be broke. I can’t afford to be broke.”
“Can’t Afford to be Broke” is open for viewing at the White Walls Gallery through June 2, 2012.
(left) "Ask Again Later" Mixed Media on Wood, 27x39" (right) "Reply Hazy Try Again" Mixed Media on Wood, 27x39
"Bogus Bonus" Mixed Media on Wood, 42x30"
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