Joe Ledbetter recently debuted a new body of work and characters in “Innards” at Copro Nason gallery, Santa Monica (previewed here). “Innards” is an important exhibition for Ledbetter, who let down his guard to open up his distinctive style free of restrictions- and spilled his “guts” with some of his most colorful paintings to date. “The theme of the show is that there is no theme. I want to reveal what’s been living inside me for the past year,” Ledbetter explained. His “Innards” paintings are tongue in cheek, casting Ledbetter’s familiar characters Smash (gorilla), bunnies, sharks, and others in new, witty, yet rather unfortunate situations, but never taking themselves too seriously. The exhibit also opens fresh off the announcement of his new toys “Wrecks & Dazey” by Analog Playset, as featured on the album “My Dinousaur Life” from Motion City Soundtrack. “Innards” by Joe Ledbetter exhibits at Copro Gallery, Santa Monica CA, from June 11 – July 2, 2011. – Caro
