About me:
“The idea behind ‘KMNDZ’ is built upon the premise of reflection, hope, and a burning desire to live life to the fullest.”
A successful leader in the graphic design community, this Los Angeles based artist, has worked for some of the world’s premier design agencies and top entertainment companies. With brands like MTV Networks, Universal Pictures, Microsoft, Lexus, Disney, and Activision populating his resume, Johnny has built an impressive portfolio of both artistic and technological accomplishments in the world of graphic design and new-media.
However, first and foremost, Johnny is an artist. He attributes his success in commercial design as a direct result of his passion for art. “I didn’t choose a career in visual design. It chose me. Draw, paint, design, take pictures… it’s what I do and always have done.”
KMDNZ is about both the past and the future.
“Anyone who’s ever touched a Mac, knows that the keystroke combination ‘command’ + ’z’ = ‘undo’. After using it day in and day out at work, I started wishing that I had an ‘undo’ action for everyday life. We’ve all done things that we wished we hadn’t, and said things that we would like to take back.”
Rodriguez’s personal work is quite different from his commercial endeavors. When he sits down to paint, he puts aside the pressures of mass appeal and commercial accessibility, and instead focuses on creating art for himself. Drawing from his own life, his paintings are filled with memories of family and friends, religious undertones, and iconic elements.
A recent piece features a drawing of an audio cassette embedded into a hand grenade. This represents a tough look back at the time when his father left their family to fight a war in Nicaragua, and left only an audio recording to explain his actions. Other paintings depict the biblical stories of Jonah and King David. Yet another deals with a strange coincidence that reminds him of a close relative that recently passed away from cancer.
“I’m overwhelmed by the reaction that I’ve received about my art. I paint about the things that have meaning in my life, and it’s amazing to know that it touches others. The messages are simple. Love GOD, Be honest to yourself. Hold yourself accountable for your actions. Never forget. And live your life fully without wishing to hit ‘KMNDZ’.”
thanks for the add , i like your work!gracias por el add me gusta mucho tu trabajo , esta re-bueno che!! te deseo una semana excelente vamos locoooo!!!SI!have a nice week!!°(!_!)*
its bekka thinkspace intern. i made a new myspace. I think curated by P0PNZ looks and sounds better than curated by rebekka utermohlen...thats a bit of a mouthful. anyways i put the postcard for my show on my page...check it out and tell me what you think. hope all is well and that i see you soon... -bekka :)
The gallery walls will be transformed as a 15 artists come out from all over the world for a huge install collaboration. Thirty artists will be showcased. Each artist will showcase 20 pieces created on found objects that will be integrated into and inspire the overall installation, bringing the gallery back into the realm of street art. These found object works will retail for $20 - $40, keeping the art accessible and true to its roots.
Music by DJ Face and Special Performance by VODKA AND DONUTS
Sunday. November 23rd, from Noon – 6pm
At Art Whino gallery Stencil Nation book signing by Russell Howze.
Presentation by Russell Howze on the Art of Stencil 2 - 3pm
Panel discussion from 3 – 4pm focused on the popularity and growth of stencil art and it’s transition into fine art galleries.
Congrats on the show, man. Amazing stuff. Was I able to make it? No. But I did see it online and I got to see a couple of the pieces in person after they came down. Rocking.
Online Now!
