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The New Contemporary Art Magazine
In a new exhibition at 111 Minna Gallery, tattooing legend and artist Ed Hardy offers works created within the past decade, featuring his signature blend of Asian influences, Californian vibes, and an ink aesthetic he forged throughout the previous century. “Marks, Scars, or Tattoos,” named from the old “Wanted” posters that carried that line item, kicks off on Friday, Oct. 7, at the space.
The name Ed Hardy immediately evokes images of tattooed baseball tees with cartoon skulls and studded baseball hats worn by reality TV stars. But before artist Don Ed Hardy became one of the most polarizing brands in history, he was a young aspiring artist whose favorite past time was going down to the beach in Southern California and looking at classic cars. He eventually went on to study under legendary Japanese tattoo artist Horihide, an experience that had a profound influence on Hardy's signature, ornate style. Today, Hardy is retired from tattooing, instead focused on non-tattoo based art like printmaking, drawing, and painting. This also includes new porcelain works and tapestries in his upcoming exhibition curated by Varnish Fine Art gallery in San Francisco, "Visionary Subversive".