With a new piece dated every few days between November 2014 and January 2015, 
With a new piece dated every few days between November 2014 and January 2015, Mike Giant’s latest series of drawings serves as a map of the current state of the artist’s life. Though Giant is originally from New Mexico, his name is synonymous with the San Francisco graffiti and tattoo scenes, where he developed himself as an artist in the 1990s and 2000s. With rapid gentrification squeezing out many of San Francisco’s creative enclaves, Giant relocated to Boulder, Colorado two years ago. His upcoming solo show, “Colorado,” opens at FFDG in San Francisco on February 13, meditates on various transitions in Giant’s life — his move halfway across the country, the end of a relationship, and various shifts in his lifestyle choices.
“Colorado” offers an honest look at Giant’s psyche during a time of change. His drawings are filled with cheeky observations, vulnerable confessions, and documentation of his daily activities. Tiny, penciled text frames the central figures in each piece, giving glimpses into Giant’s stream of consciousness while he worked on this show. The artist lays his doubts, fears, triumphs, dietary habits, music choices, and sexual proclivities bare for all to see, giving viewers an intimate look at the well-known artist as a human being. “Colorado” will include over 40 of these drawings, as well as photo prints on canvas made in collaboration with Jason Siegel. Take a look at our preview of the show below.
Houston-based artist Ana Marietta paints and draws animals with exaggerated human features to create sympathy for her subjects. Looking at a raven with wide eyes glassy with tears, or a frowning pelican dimpled with warts, one feels the animal's deep sorrow. The creatures appear to look outward however, suggesting their sadness comes from the environment, as opposed to any personal ailments directly. Their anthropomorphic deformities hint at something unnatural, an effect explained only by human behavior and intervention.
Comic artist, animator, and painter Lale S Westvind is known for her dynamic narratives and command of hues, recalling Jack Kirby and Golden Age greats such as Fletcher Hanks. Comic series like “GRIP” and "Hax" are showcases for Westvind’s particular talents for conveying the kinetic.