MAX GRUNDY

December 5 - 28, 2008

MAX GRUNDY
“Retro Futurism”

"The most effective images to motivate people and get a reaction are images of fear," states painter, illustrator and graphic designer Max Grundy. Inspired by 1940's and 1950's B-movie, sci-fi and propaganda visuals, Grundy believes that the images of world destruction, alien invasion and communism which were predominate during the WW2 and post-war decades still have a huge influence on the phobias of contemporary society. His interest in vintage 40's/50's era poster design is major inspiration on his art. He admires its use of unusual perspective, limited color palette, dramatic text and design to create maximum effect. Flat shapes and clean design are conducive with the time period of influence. He believes this style has the ability to reach out and grab a viewer because of its economical graphic quality. Grundy currently works with enamel on aluminum panel and feels this media is the most consistent with the subject matter. "We call this particular style retro futurism," states Grundy. His works have been collected by the likes of Metallica's James Hetfield, producer J.J. Abrams, Hell's Angels founder Sonny Barger and "Overhauling" host Chris Jacobs. With a B.A. in Illustration and a Master's degree in painting, drawing and art history, Grundy lives and works in Glendale California as a full time artist.