URBAN AESTHETIC no.54 (In Search of The American Dream)

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Painted wood blocks, acrylic paint, and collage on board

58 x 46 x 5.3 cm (Framed)

Collage on board (Acrylic paint and various collage elements including painted MDF and Plywood blocks, original 1970’s Budweiser playing cards, an original Las Vegas gift shop magnet, segments taken from Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas by Hunter S Thomson, a signed picture of Debbie Reynolds, two craps dice, a postcard of the The Mint Hotel in Las Vegas, portions of the January 1970 edition of Rolling Stone Magazine and a pack of matches from the Pink Flamingo hotel in Las Vegas.)

This piece features sections of pages from Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas and collaged images that reference elements from the book, including the invasion of Loas during the Vietnam War, President Nixon, a Chevrolet Impala, Budweiser, The Mint Hotel and Casino, The Pink Flamingo Hotel and Casino and Debbie Reynolds.

 

Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas describes a raucous weekend where Thompson and his attorney embark on a hedonistic adventure which involves lots of alcohol and drugs. It is hilarious at times, at others, quite disturbing, but at its heart, the story is really a criticism of American counterculture and an exploration of its failings. I wanted to capture the essence of the book while referencing its subtext with historical references.

Also included in this piece are original Las Vegas paraphernalia (the gift shop Magnet, Dice, a postcard of The Mint Hotel, where Thompson stayed), and original collaged segments from the January 1970 edition of Rolling Stone magazine.

The original material from Rolling Stone is from the Let it Bleed article which reported on the disaster at Altamont during a Rolling Stones concert when Hells Angels clashed with concert goers, resulting in various injuries and one death. This event is often regarded as symbolic of the end of the optimism that surrounded American Counterculture in the 1960’s and is referenced frequently by Thompson in Fear and Loathing.

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General information

Web images: Every care has been taken to ensure a faithful reproduction of the original artwork and where possible I upload high resolution scans. However, some variations may occur when viewing online. If you have any questions about the image please do not hesitate to contact me.

Framing: Everything looks better framed. Most of the pieces from Urban Aesthetic are framed unless stated otherwise.

Care: Art is unique and can last a lifetime, and beyond, if cared for properly. Do not hang work above radiators as this can cause warping to some frames and dry out the glue used in the making of the collage. Unlike with Gremlins, water will not multiply your artwork, avoid hanging work in damp areas and near water sources; kitchens and bathrooms should be avoided unless you have adequate ventilation. Avoid hanging work in direct sunlight as this will fade the colours and images over time.

Cleaning Urban Aesthetic pieces: Urban Aesthetic pieces are three dimensional and are prone to collecting dust as they are unglazed. Once a month I recommend using a soft synthetic, full bodied brush (like a blurring and blending foundation brush) to remove dust from raised areas and running a hairdryer on cool setting across the front of the piece.

Delivery: Postage and packing is free on all orders over £100. Postage and packing for orders under £100 is set at £10 per order. All posted work is sent via a 1st class Royal Mail tracked and recorded service. We will advise you when the work is sent and send you the tracking information once confirmed. You should expect to receive your artwork within 3-5 working days after confirmed purchase. For heavy items, bulk orders and international shipping please contact me in advance to discuss options. I offer a 10% discount against the sale price on collections on all purchases – collections can be made from my home address in Chippenham (Wiltshire), UK.

 

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