Over the Influence is exhibiting the work of the self-taught Los Angeles-based artist Andy Dixon. For his solo show “Masterpieces!,” paintings and sculptures are staged throughout the space to reel the viewer into Dixon’s colorful world. Bound to discover something new, something unusual, and something petty or pleasurable, guests can take a walk through art history in a snap—starting with a vision of 17th century Flemish still life with a contemporary twist. Here, Dixon showcases the evolution since then in his paintings, highlighted by modern-day classical methods and, as he calls it, his signature “high painting” style.
From Reclining Venus and the bacchanal to Cupid, his subject matter drips in reimagined scenes and in new colors. Between paintings, we see other items, like paintings, that act as status symbols. Christian Louboutin shoes, Louis Vuitton bags, and Versace silk shirts are all recreated and oversized, providing luxury to the larger-than-life mentality of those who may seek it.
“Art is also, pragmatically speaking, the manufacturing of goods to be sold, like luxury items on one of the most unregulated markets on the planet,” said Dixon. “I analyze this theme specifically through the appropriation of historical art imagery that depicts luxury, showing the viewer that, one, the subject of the original painting is luxurious. Two, the object of the original painting, which is the subject of my painting, is luxurious. And three, the final work, in other words, my painting, is also luxurious.”
