Rock ‘n roll has always had its share of musicians who secretly want to be artists, and in the competitive, image-conscious world of commercial design, some of the more successful practitioners are those who resemble rock stars. So what better way to satisfy mutual longings than by swapping roles, for a change? With that idea in mind, Alternative Press left its Cleveland home base for a journey out west for the opening of its 25th Anniversary Show at Merry Karnowsky Gallery in Los Angeles.
The exhibition isn’t just about art by rock stars; it also features photographs of musicians, and a look back at AP‘s cultural influence over the years. Still, with works ranging from Shepard Fairey‘s silkscreened album covers to Marilyn Manson‘s pricey watercolor Baby’s on Fire ($30,000), it’s hard to differentiate between the full-time artists and the musicians in this show .
The exhibit runs through July 24 at Merry Karnowsky Gallery. Alternative Press also celebrates its 25th anniversary in New York City this October.
Click through below for images from the Alternative Press 25th Anniversary Art Show.
Alternative Press Magazine’s 25th Anniversary Party; Photo credit: Jered Scott
Baby’s on Fire, Marilyn Manson, 2010. Watercolor on paper. $30,000
Alternative Press Magazine’s 25th Anniversary Party; Photo credit: Jered Scott
The Attraction and Repulsion of Particles, Tara McPherson, 2010. Oil and India ink on Bristol. $2800
Alternative Press Magazine’s 25th Anniversary Party; Photo credit: Jered Scott
Believe in US, or Die, Porter McNight, 2010. Mixed media. $875
Eyes of Dead Ophelia, Liz McGrath, 2010. Mixed media with gold leaf and crystals. $5000
Liz McGrath at Alternative Press Magazine’s 25th Anniversary Party; Photo credit: Jered Scott
OBEY Standards in Propaganda, Shepard Fairey, 2010. HPM silkscreen and mixed media on album cover. $2000
Untitled, Adam Jones, 2010. Limited edition bronze sculpture. $6500
Alternative Press Magazine’s 25th Anniversary Party; Photo credit: Jered Scott
6 Gretsches, Tim Armstrong, 2006. Acrylic and silkscreen on canvas. $2500
Untitled, Travis McCoy, 2010. Spray paint and acrylic on canvas. $200