This is part of a series of posts profiling the artists and performers taking part in Works 2012. We are highlighting a different artist every few days, so please visit again to learn about the groups and individuals we have the pleasure of showcasing this year.
About the Artist
Emek lives in many worlds. His art shows it. Born a decade after the 60's, he was nevertheless influenced by 60's culture and counter-culture. Emek was raised in an environment that supported his crazy artistic aspirations. Both his parents are artists, too!
Emek lives in many worlds. His art shows it. Born a decade after the 60's, he was nevertheless influenced by 60's culture and counter-culture. Emek was raised in an environment that supported his crazy artistic aspirations. Both his parents are artists, too!
His first poster commission was for a unity rally after the L.A. riots of 1992. It was a concert/rally held on Martin Luther King Day. The poster was a success and Emek was on his way to bigger things.
Psychedelic 60's imagery collides into 90's post industrial iconography. To this collision of organic vs. mechanic worlds are added Emek's humor, social commentary and fantasy and even in the smallest details there are messages.
"I appreciate the creative freedom this medium allows me because the bands generally give me total freedom as long as I advertise the show info. I am allowed to dip into the recesses of my imagination and see what spills out onto the page. This allows me to be my own art director and I am able to experiment with different concepts and styles to keep things fresh. Today's disposable culture paves the way for tomorrow’s nostalgia...I'm just trying to make it interesting"
All of Emek's artwork is originally hand drawn, then silkscreened for the actual concerts and events. Most are printed in limited editions of 300. He signs them, too! His visual style has graced music posters from BB King to the Sex Pistols. Emek has painted album covers for Neil Young and Pearl Jam as well as for many punk and alternative bands. He was invited to exhibit at the opening of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame "History Of Rock Posters" exhibition and has been featured in national and international magazines. Emek also recently painted a music cover for the Washington Post and had an alumni exhibition at his university. His work is also permanently displayed in Hard Rock Cafe's the world over.
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