Permalink

Gary Baseman

gary baseman toby

Over on the excellent Cartoon Brew, Amid calls our attention to tonight, Saturday, May 14th, from 7-11pm, is the opening reception to Gary Baseman’s new exhibit, “For the Love of Toby,” at Billy Shire Fine Arts, in Culver City, CA. You can check out a preview of the show at Head Magazine. Toby, a character that is basically Baseman’s Everyman, is the central figure for the entire show. The show will run from May 14th to June 18th. While you’re at it, be sure to check out the King of Subversive Art’s website HERE. He’s fantastic. (Thanks, Amid.)

  • http://www.happydance.com.au/ Azz

    Can anyone explain the appeal of Basemen’s work to me? I seem to be missing something.

  • http://www.happydance.com.au Azz

    Can anyone explain the appeal of Basemen’s work to me? I seem to be missing something.

  • http://www.f-sima.narod.ru/ Sima

    Hi! I liked your figure. I badly know English as I from Russia, therefore I so badly write in English:Р =)

  • http://www.f-sima.narod.ru Sima

    Hi! I liked your figure. I badly know English as I from Russia, therefore I so badly write in English:Р =)

  • taryono, s.sos

    selamat berjumapa di internet

  • taryono, s.sos

    selamat berjumapa di internet

  • M.B.

    disturbing

  • M.B.

    disturbing

  • S.R.

    Sorry, I’m not impressed.

  • S.R.

    Sorry, I’m not impressed.

  • niraj

    hi

  • niraj

    hi

  • dsh1001

    Is this a forum for artists or art critics? If you have something construtive to say, then great. If, however, you still have the mindset of a twelve year old bully or too cool to be impressed by anything, then I, for one, would prefer that you keep your comments to yourself.

  • dsh1001

    Is this a forum for artists or art critics? If you have something construtive to say, then great. If, however, you still have the mindset of a twelve year old bully or too cool to be impressed by anything, then I, for one, would prefer that you keep your comments to yourself.

  • http://www.happydance.com.au/ Azz

    I was worried that my comment may have sparked something like this. I’m not critiquing Basemen’s work in a ‘bully’ type way. I find it interesting and reasonably pleasent. I was just hoping that someone with a bit more knowledge than me could give an opinion on why he is so insanely popular.

  • http://www.happydance.com.au Azz

    I was worried that my comment may have sparked something like this. I’m not critiquing Basemen’s work in a ‘bully’ type way. I find it interesting and reasonably pleasent. I was just hoping that someone with a bit more knowledge than me could give an opinion on why he is so insanely popular.

  • http://kahokuleayahoo.com/ kahokulea

    looks like salvador dali blends with old school disney.

  • http://kahokuleayahoo.com kahokulea

    looks like salvador dali blends with old school disney.

  • http://www.bigistudio.com/ CMR

    I’m always amazed by how angry and bitter people become over another’s success. I’m thankful for artists like Gary who have helped blur the boundaries between fine art and commercialized art, it makes my job and life a lot easier.

    Gary works hard, and does work that appeals to a wide range of people that’s why he’s so popular.

  • http://www.bigistudio.com CMR

    I’m always amazed by how angry and bitter people become over another’s success. I’m thankful for artists like Gary who have helped blur the boundaries between fine art and commercialized art, it makes my job and life a lot easier.

    Gary works hard, and does work that appeals to a wide range of people that’s why he’s so popular.

  • http://wardomatic.blogspot.com/ Ward

    Everybody has their own opinion about art, and it’s good to see some be passionate about it. Sure, there’s always going to be questionable content that we post here, but what we are trying to do here on Drawn! is to enlighten others to sources of inspiration that have sparked the interest or desire of the contributors as well as other readers — not try to debate as to what’s cool or not. It’s all subjective. If you don’t like a particular artist, that’s fine. You are very much entitled to that opinion. But I’m not going to argue with others as to why a particular artist is considered popular or not as we can get sucked into a critical vortex where nothing will be gained from it.

    But please know this — there are many artists out there that are insanely talented, and that alone is inspirational. At least respect that notion, even if you do not like their work.

    Why are some artists popular and others not? Who’s to know? If you can answer that, then you’ve just solved one of the biggest mysteries of the universe.

  • http://wardomatic.blogspot.com Ward

    Everybody has their own opinion about art, and it’s good to see some be passionate about it. Sure, there’s always going to be questionable content that we post here, but what we are trying to do here on Drawn! is to enlighten others to sources of inspiration that have sparked the interest or desire of the contributors as well as other readers — not try to debate as to what’s cool or not. It’s all subjective. If you don’t like a particular artist, that’s fine. You are very much entitled to that opinion. But I’m not going to argue with others as to why a particular artist is considered popular or not as we can get sucked into a critical vortex where nothing will be gained from it.

    But please know this — there are many artists out there that are insanely talented, and that alone is inspirational. At least respect that notion, even if you do not like their work.

    Why are some artists popular and others not? Who’s to know? If you can answer that, then you’ve just solved one of the biggest mysteries of the universe.

  • kutiepiekay

    Nice… True about the old skool disney! It has more of a punkish tone to it, and his art work is great! I collect the magz that come out with his art work and they are BAD AZZ! Im a tatoo artist and sometimes my clients ask to see what Im looking at. So I give it to them, and they automatically want one with that type effect. Thanks for the Business!!
    @———–>—– Kay

  • kutiepiekay

    Nice… True about the old skool disney! It has more of a punkish tone to it, and his art work is great! I collect the magz that come out with his art work and they are BAD AZZ! Im a tatoo artist and sometimes my clients ask to see what Im looking at. So I give it to them, and they automatically want one with that type effect. Thanks for the Business!!
    @———–>—– Kay

  • http://www.bigistudio.com/ CMR

    Am I going to get some sort of credit for solving one of the biggest mysteries in the universe? Monetary compensation would be good.

    :)

  • http://www.bigistudio.com CMR

    Am I going to get some sort of credit for solving one of the biggest mysteries in the universe? Monetary compensation would be good.

    :)

  • http://wardomatic.blogspot.com/ Ward

    The check’s in the mail.

  • http://wardomatic.blogspot.com Ward

    The check’s in the mail.

  • http://www.yahoo.com/ fonda taylor

    This one remindes me of a cartoon. My little brother always waches that show Teachers Pet. That is a cool show.

  • http://www.yahoo.com fonda taylor

    This one remindes me of a cartoon. My little brother always waches that show Teachers Pet. That is a cool show.

  • http://wardomatic.blogspot.com/ Ward

    Baseman is the creator of Teacher’s Pet and had a big say in the look and design of the series. Probably one of the best shows out there currently (I think it’s been cancelled, but still…).

  • http://wardomatic.blogspot.com Ward

    Baseman is the creator of Teacher’s Pet and had a big say in the look and design of the series. Probably one of the best shows out there currently (I think it’s been cancelled, but still…).

  • Brittney

    this is a really cool/.fun picture

  • http://boylover_sexymamayahoo.com Brittney

    this is a really cool/.fun picture

  • http://www.geocities.com/booyakkasha57192 Gdizzle

    I would say that Gary Baseman’s art is unique and awesome. I’m impressed! (I hope I’m not being a critic)

  • http://www.geocities.com/booyakkasha57192 Gdizzle

    I would say that Gary Baseman’s art is unique and awesome. I’m impressed! (I hope I’m not being a critic)

  • Misslilthing99

    Dude that is Wack!!……but it is also cool…..I love to do art work…..you have just inspired me……………….THANKS!

  • http://Yahoo Misslilthing99

    Dude that is Wack!!……but it is also cool…..I love to do art work…..you have just inspired me……………….THANKS!

  • Sean

    Love it! It strikes me as a whitewashing over of a messed up world or a loss of innocence.?. Just an interpretation, but the art is great!

  • Sean

    Love it! It strikes me as a whitewashing over of a messed up world or a loss of innocence.?. Just an interpretation, but the art is great!

  • Terri

    Reminds me of Ren and Stimpy!!!
    Still old school classics if you ask me. BRAVO…..

  • Terri

    Reminds me of Ren and Stimpy!!!
    Still old school classics if you ask me. BRAVO…..

  • KitW

    I think this artwork here is fantastic in it’s own right! Every artist and art piece has it’s own unique style, and this piece by Gary Baseman is a great example of that. I, myself, am studying to become a professional artist and a lot of my own work has a type of baseline like this, so it inspires me and shows me that not everyone’s work are just lines and color like most people would like to claim.

    So to those whose view on this is that of “this isn’t so good,” that’s you’re opinion and I’m glad you have one. But to me, Gary is a terrific artist and I LOVE the work he did on this piece. =)

  • KitW

    I think this artwork here is fantastic in it’s own right! Every artist and art piece has it’s own unique style, and this piece by Gary Baseman is a great example of that. I, myself, am studying to become a professional artist and a lot of my own work has a type of baseline like this, so it inspires me and shows me that not everyone’s work are just lines and color like most people would like to claim.

    So to those whose view on this is that of “this isn’t so good,” that’s you’re opinion and I’m glad you have one. But to me, Gary is a terrific artist and I LOVE the work he did on this piece. =)

  • C Luv

    This illustration reminds me a an old Nickelodeon Cartoon…. Rocko’s Modern Life…. Anyone ever hear of it?

  • C Luv

    This illustration reminds me a an old Nickelodeon Cartoon…. Rocko’s Modern Life…. Anyone ever hear of it?

  • http://www.partlymyfault.com/ Mike

    Rocko’s Modern Life was created by Joe Murray:
    http://www.joemurraystudio.com/

    I think Gary Baseman is so popular because he appeals to the psyche in much the same way that many other artist of his ilk do – by combining innocent pop-culture with dark and sinister images. Cute 30′s and 40′s style cartoon characters cut in half, murdering each other, or engaging in sexual perversity. Our culture these days seems to be that of irony – we embrace images of old that portray the world as gee-whiz flowers and lolipops, little girls with big eyes, dads with sharp hats and pipes, not because we believe them but because they mask baser ugliness, things we don’t speak of in polite company. The juxtoposition of cute and horror moves something in most viewers – a feeling of lost innocence. But instead of mourning the loss, it’s embraced.

    My reaction – your mileage may vary.

  • http://www.partlymyfault.com Mike

    Rocko’s Modern Life was created by Joe Murray:
    http://www.joemurraystudio.com/

    I think Gary Baseman is so popular because he appeals to the psyche in much the same way that many other artist of his ilk do – by combining innocent pop-culture with dark and sinister images. Cute 30′s and 40′s style cartoon characters cut in half, murdering each other, or engaging in sexual perversity. Our culture these days seems to be that of irony – we embrace images of old that portray the world as gee-whiz flowers and lolipops, little girls with big eyes, dads with sharp hats and pipes, not because we believe them but because they mask baser ugliness, things we don’t speak of in polite company. The juxtoposition of cute and horror moves something in most viewers – a feeling of lost innocence. But instead of mourning the loss, it’s embraced.

    My reaction – your mileage may vary.

  • http://www.yahoo.com/ diamond

    Half of these people that said something negative probably can’t even draw. i think this picture is cute. C Luv your are so right it does remind me of Rocko’s modern life

  • http://www.yahoo.com diamond

    Half of these people that said something negative probably can’t even draw. i think this picture is cute. C Luv your are so right it does remind me of Rocko’s modern life

  • http://www.happydance.com.au/ Azz

    Thanks for the comments guys (in particular CMR and Mike) . It’s interesting to get reactions to different artists work. Even more interesting is the reaction to my questions!

    I certainly didn’t wish to create a good/bad debate. I merely am amazed, given how snobbish the art world is perceived to be, that someone with such a lowbrow style as Basemen could become so popular. Thanks for enlightening me.

  • http://www.happydance.com.au Azz

    Thanks for the comments guys (in particular CMR and Mike) . It’s interesting to get reactions to different artists work. Even more interesting is the reaction to my questions!

    I certainly didn’t wish to create a good/bad debate. I merely am amazed, given how snobbish the art world is perceived to be, that someone with such a lowbrow style as Basemen could become so popular. Thanks for enlightening me.

  • http://reconstruction.com/ Bruce Joyner

    I like this stuff.It reminds me of childhood afternoons..spent drawing only things I could see and my mom of course. Why does anyone try to understand art..just enjoy it.there’s enough for everybody to be pleased by something. I paint and draw different from these examples but we all are just trying to express ourselves…Yeah,I like these expressions of self and imagination..Cool!

  • http://reconstruction.com Bruce Joyner

    I like this stuff.It reminds me of childhood afternoons..spent drawing only things I could see and my mom of course. Why does anyone try to understand art..just enjoy it.there’s enough for everybody to be pleased by something. I paint and draw different from these examples but we all are just trying to express ourselves…Yeah,I like these expressions of self and imagination..Cool!

  • lala

    hey guys,
    i saw the art and thought those of you that are interested might want to know that thier is a restaurant featuring chocolate bars designed by artists like david horvath, gary baseman, and tim biskup.

    It’s actually really cool!!! Check it out at http://www.chocolatebarnyc.com

    And for those that feel they must voice thier disapproval, THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX!!!!!!!

  • lala

    hey guys,
    i saw the art and thought those of you that are interested might want to know that thier is a restaurant featuring chocolate bars designed by artists like david horvath, gary baseman, and tim biskup.

    It’s actually really cool!!! Check it out at http://www.chocolatebarnyc.com

    And for those that feel they must voice thier disapproval, THINK OUTSIDE OF THE BOX!!!!!!!

  • Fruity

    It helps to know that, even though Gary Baseman is a very talented creative artist, he also spends HUGE amounts of his time marketing and pushing his art globally like there’s no tomorrow. That alone accounts for some of his popularity. More people know about him and they, in turn, help him to spread the word…he makes sure of it. He’s a celebrity artist.
    He works the celebrity part like it’s a job.

  • Fruity

    It helps to know that, even though Gary Baseman is a very talented creative artist, he also spends HUGE amounts of his time marketing and pushing his art globally like there’s no tomorrow. That alone accounts for some of his popularity. More people know about him and they, in turn, help him to spread the word…he makes sure of it. He’s a celebrity artist.
    He works the celebrity part like it’s a job.

  • http://bdandsally.blogspot.com Paul Wilson

    Elizabeth Phillips…

    The 9169 Donald Lewis blog…