Take a Step Beyond Shadows with Greg 'Craola' Simkins at KP Projects/MKG

In Greg ’Craola’ Simkins’ paintings phantasmagoric characters play the leading role. Each and every one of them came out as a product of the artist's imagination, but seemingly they are all becoming alive on the canvas and continuing to live the life of their own. Altogether they create such a jolly little crew made out of exotic animal hybrids, humanized herbals, tattooed lemons, cartoon drawings, octopus-like clocks, and various other inspirational sensations. And they are all together going to be presented within the upcoming solo exhibition titled Beyond Shadows, which will show Greg’s newest artworks at the KP Projects/ MKG Gallery in Los Angeles.

From Walt Disney to Punk Rock

Greg ’Craola’ Simkins is widely known for his figurative art experiments that sometimes pass beyond the imagination line. His extraordinary characters are truly playful creatures. If you thought for a second that some of his characters look like early Disney cartoons, you would be on the right track. Greg Simkins art is very much influenced by the Walt Disney’s work, but there were so many other influences, such as street art hidden in the back alleys, local tradition, favorite childhood books, punk rock music, or formal painting practice. Actually, while being an excellent illustrator as well, Greg ’Craola’ Simkins has got the chance to collaborate with some of those who he admires, such as bands Foo Fighters, Linking Park, Blink-182, or companies like Disney, Logitech or Converse.

Yin-Yang Balance of the Artist’s World

Artistic world of Greg ’Craola’ Simkins is most certainly full of bright colors, mystical scenarios, kaleidoscopic fragments of reality mixed with illusory figures, as well as carefully ornamented textures. But that is only one side of his world. Opposed to colorful and joyful characters there is a full display of laid-back Drip Scripts art series made by Greg Simkins. These paintings show simple plays of light and shadow, and monochromatic black and white contrasts. They are plain, they are calming, and they are impressive. In comparison with the artist's figurative expressions, this is what makes Greg ’Craola’ Simkins what he truly is, providing perfect yin-yang balance in his art. Drip Scripts series of his artwork will be presented simultaneously, but upstairs at the LAUNCH Gallery.

Greg 'Craola' Simkins Exhibition in Los Angeles

Greg Simkins is not afraid to dream, to go further and beyond, to explore, experiment and seek the truth within the invisible forms of reality. As a matter of fact, he is not afraid of creating his own reality if necessary, while continuously being in a hunt for new adventures. As the artist said himself, his journey has begun with writings on the wall in the shadows of the night. Greg Simkins is eager to find out what would happen if those walls came tumbling down. What lies behind the art? He is calling all of the viewers to come join him on his way through the adventure of finding out what is hiding beyond shadows. His solo show Beyond Shadows at the KP Projects/MKG Gallery will start on May 21, and will be on view until June 18, 2016. It will be the largest show of his work up to date. Come and enjoy the fantastic world of art that Greg ’Craola’ Simkins has created.

Featured image: Greg 'Craola' Simkins - Beyond Shadows (detail)
Slider images: Greg 'Craola' Simkins – Red; Greg 'Craola' Simkins – STELLAR; Greg 'Craola' Simkins - Travel Slow; Left: Greg 'Craola' Simkins – Lighter / Right: Greg 'Craola' Simkins - Make Write
All images are courtesy of the artist and KP Projects/MKG Gallery