L-A is often seen as a city defined by the glitz and glamour of Hollywood. When people think of the City of Angels, images of movie stars, Rodeo Drive, soy frappuccinos and not-so-subtle plastic surgery jobs come to mind. This is a far cry from the gritty and raw depiction found in the art of Los Angeles legend, Mister Cartoon.
Mister Cartoon’s (aka ‘Toon’) art has become synonymous with the urban landscape of Los Angeles. Originally inspired by the music, art and urban sprawl of the city in the 1970’s and 1980’s, Toon eventually delved into the worlds of tattooing and graff, honing his craft in these styles. Detailing the fantasies of street life, Toon’s work creates his own romanticized vision of LA, littered with decorative cursive script, beautiful women, and modern day Chicano Warriors, adorned with classic clown face paint. Popularized by his prolific work ethic and natural gravitas to the imagery, Toon’s work can be found painted across huge walls, as decals across beautiful vintage and iconic west coast cars, or adorning the body of your favourite celebrity (Eminem and Dr Dre being highlights).
Looking through his expansive body of work, it’s easy to see why the California native’s style has been in high demand for the better part of the last two decades. Having collaborated with the likes of Nike, Vans, Stussy, Toon brings a level of authenticity and poetry to his art that is unparalleled.
As the definitions of what it means to be an artist changes, there is an aura of timelessness about the work of Mister Cartoon. Just like the palm trees, vintage cars, broad sidewalks and never ending highways, Mister Cartoon is forever immortalized as an LA classic.
(Photo courtesy of Peanut Butter Jelly)
So shouts out to the people at CHALK Digital for reaching out and helping in putting this together!
A huge bigs up to Peanut Butter Jelly (PBJ), soon to be one of the best spots in Manly:
“Peanut Butter Jelly offers street food inspired from cultures all over the world, infusing flavour combinations from regions such as South East Asia, North America, Central and South America.The menu is a playful take on casual street food, although presented with a level of sophistication and elegance. Whether you like creative food combinations or cocktails with a twist, Peanut Butter Jelly has you covered!”
To celebrate, the good people at PBJ will be bringing an awe inspiring, jaw dropping, unbelievable line up of artist to help bring the place to life (Mister Cartoon is just the first)! For more info on PBJ can be found here.
(Photo courtesy of Peanut Butter Jelly)
(Photo courtesy of Peanut Butter Jelly)
AS ALWAYS THANKS FOR CHECKING OUT MAD LOVE, MORE STUFF ALWAYS COMIN UP, BAO!!!!!
