Long Beach artist Alex Gardner creates acrylic scenes with ink-black figures set against pastel backdrops. The artist intends to “de-inviduate and universalize” with this approach toward his subjects, one statement says. Part of the work’s excellence is found in its subtly, playfully reflecting and juxtaposing texture and color. The artist wouldn’t use the phase “surrealist” in this scenes, instead reflecting widely relatable themes in his work.
“In these paintings the artist charges the familiar with poignancy, highlights the details as important, and paints figures that all genders and races could see themselves in,” a recent statement says. “Mimicking snippets of classical painting—from an El Greco hand to a Pietà carry, a crucifixion foot, a Michelangelo muscle group—he is not just inserting his contemporary identity into art history, but also opening up these art historical perspectives for all viewers to connect with.”
See more works from the artist’s below.
The hyper-realistic oil paintings of 
The lush, dreamlike illustrations of 