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Bio: > The images in Dean Styers' paintings may at first seem familiar and laden with nostalgia, but they are quickly off-set and complicated by the text overlaid on them. An innocent representation of a figure or object takes on an entirely new meaning with a few choice words, resulting in paintings that are sometimes cynical, sometimes melancholy, and always infused with a pop art inspired graphic sensibility.
Like 10th generation photocopies, Styers strips his imagery down to the barest visual essentials. Styers’ sarcastic, sometimes melancholy aesthetic juxtaposes themes of relationships and unrequited love, thus darkly conveying a singular pop art inspired sensibility.
Dean first received recognition for his artistic ability in the second grade when his clay sculpture of a squirrel won him first prize. Inspired by this early achievement, he attended The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. While in Boston, Styers made a name for himself creating record and magazine covers, t-shirt designs, and posters for bands like Aerosmith, The Jesus Lizard, & The Misfits. His art shows, along with a mural execution in an underground rock club, gained attention in the local press that then led to showing in more traditional venues.
After moving to Los Angeles, Styers has exhibited extensively, including exhibitions at Ruth Bachofner Gallery, James Gray Gallery, Gallery 825, Milo Gallery, Forum Gallery, 222 Gallery, and many others. He has been shown at The Santa Monica Museum of Art, and the Zimmer Museum & his work has been featured in several tv shows, for whatever that's worth... In 2005, CAA (Creative Arts Agency) commissioned Styers to paint portraits of the full cast of the movie "Oceans 12"- He then received a second commission for portraits of the executives and owners of the agency.
His work is included in numerous private & corporate collections throughout the US and Japan, including Harry Shearer, George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Lisa Kudrow, Gary Calamar, & the Cartoon Network. When not painting he collects other people's art, co-runs a vinyl only record label (Limited Appeal Records), works in the film industry in an artistic capacity, gets involved in unhealthy relationships, and generally tries to find things to keep himself busy which usually involves hanging around with his friends finding interesting things to do in the Los Angeles area.
Notes about these pieces made for Art for empty walls:
These is not my "usual" style of painting, although an artists work always has a common theme, weather he/she realizes it or not. I always use text in my work which I did not with these paintings. I tried to have "fun" with these works, and I did. They are made up of stencils (I have always loved stencils) I cut of semi-vintage entertainers I enjoy (Frank Sinatra, Rodney Dangerfield, Don Knotts, Dave Bruebeck, Woody Allen, Don Rickles & Jack Webb). Feel free to contact me with any questions @ deanstyers.com.
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