SOLID GALLERY ONE, 334 N. Fairfax Ave., Los Angeles, CA 90036 / tel: 323.939.3003

SOLID GALLERY ONE presents:

"BAR FLIES & SNAKE EYES":

new paintings by Richard "Xpres" Taylor

OPENING RECEPTION: SATURDAY, March 5th 8PM-11PM

show runs thru April 24th, 2011

Solid Gallery One proudly presents new works by Richard "Xpres" Taylor in "Bar Flies and Snake Eyes";  a sultry collection capturing the seedy underbelly of an apocalyptic dystopia where predators roam the streets, and beautiful women work the corners.  Drawn from real experiences and people, Taylor creates an urban carnival of bloodsuckers, thugs, bikers, stalkers and burlesque beauties.  "Bar Flies and Snake Eyes" marks Taylor's first solo exhibit and a chance for him to reclaim his roots as a figurative painter while further exploring his own vision.  It is with great pride that Solid Gallery One unveils Taylor's collection to the public with an opening reception on March 5th, from 8-11PM.  This exhibition will be on view through April 24th, 2011.

ABOUT THE ARTIST:

With a background in street art/mural painting in the eighties and known as "Xpres", Taylor followed his artistic path earning a BA in illustration and fine art from Art Center College of Design in 1999.  From there, he continued honing his skills as an illustrator and graphic designer working professionally in the apparel industry for what is now over ten years.  Taylor draws his influences and inspirations from a host of subcultures, music and visual art; comic books, movies, custom bikes, cars and lowbrow, surfing and skating, classic horror and B movie monsters to name a few.  He feels that painting fulfills an inner need to express what's inside and that art is gratifying, therapeutic and empowering in this corrupt corporate world of fear and uncertainty.

Living in different neighborhoods around Los Angeles exposed Taylor to a wide range of people, environments and experiences.  Beginning at age 17, he lived at the Conart studio on 6th and Rampart, where mayhem, drug addiction and police brutality flourished.  Observing the interesting people on the bus line from Highland Park to Downtown, Taylor would carry his sketch book to put down ideas or drawings.  Within his work, one finds that Taylor also pulls inspiration from ocean and nature while incorporating his interests in burlesque girls and belly dancers, luchadores, skulls, tattoos, typography, architecture, beatniks, free thinkers, new wave rockers, DIY clothing, and sixties poster art.  Taylor states that  a "dark voodoo energy that I once felt in New Orleans permeates this series, but vibrant color contrasts a festive vibe".

Please join us on Saturday, March 5th 8-11pm at Solid Gallery One, Los Angeles.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Admission: FREE

Drinks are complimentary 21+ w/ID

LOCATION:

334 N. Fairfax Ave. (just north of Beverly Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90036

PARKING: Arrow Parking lot directly across the street

(or street parking)

*