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The New Contemporary Art Magazine
Woodrow White’s paintings often explore and utilize pop culture and current social issues. The artist's comic sensibilities are shown in not only his ability to subvert familiar imagery, but also frame scenes in ways that elicit unexpected results. White was last mentioned on HiFructose.com for a show with his father, artist Wayne White.
This past weekend, Heron Arts debuted “Ass Kicking Contest" (previewed here), a father-son art show from acclaimed artist Wayne White and his son, Woodrow White. A complete spectacle of installation and fine art, the duo presented their respective bodies of work alongside a few massive puppets. The result was a varied display of kitsch and charm. Always finding ways to insert humor into his work, you can see Wayne’s excitement in the large-scale puppets that inhabit the space. They draw back to his time as set designer for Pee Wee’s Playhouse, where he received three Emmys for his innovative work. Bringing him back to his roots as a DIY craftsman and puppet-maker, Wayne’s figures range everywhere from a cubist bust resting along a mirror to an operational 15ft reclining cowboy trying to get his boot on.
Tomorrow night, American artist Wayne White will exhibit alongside his son, Woodrow White, for the first time in San Francisco at Heron Arts Gallery. In 1986, Wayne White earned international acclaim as the set and puppet designer of TV series Pee Wee's Playhouse, for which he won three Emmy awards. "Ass Kicking Contest" brings the same slapstick and backwards charm that will be familiar to fans of his work on the show. Originally from Chattanooga, Tennessee and now living and working in Los Angeles, he credits his Southern roots for his unique take on Americana and D.I.Y. style. In addition to witty word paintings like "Hoo Ha" and works on paper, he will also present animated puppets.