Simon Evans’ One Hundred Mix CDs for New York (2008) [framed view] is one of my favorite works by one of my favorite artists. He’s English and lives in Germany; spent some time in San Francisco where he was “discovered,” and where I had the privilege of meeting him.  (He was working at Peasant Pies where I patronized daily — obsessed and worried over his first show in the back of a bookstore which basically stunned everyone by its brilliance.) His rise to success is an optimistic tale of nice guy with, rather than a foot, genius in the door. The following examples are taken from his more comprehensive blog portfolio (be sure to click and enlarge each pic to see the textured layers).

This is just one of his pieces; he also makes calendars, lists, intricate and fantastical maps, among many other things. It’s all very neurotic, endearing, anal-retentive yet glib, and always hilarious. What I love about his work is the union between high-concept and the more palpable aspects of craft — in which “harsh” administrative materials (tape, white out, marker, etc.) are used with the deft touch of the finest painter. Such postmodern appropriations of both content and technique have been tirelessly played out before (and still are), but Evans hits a clearer, more intuitive note. And his text shines bright next to the best of writers. I like Simon Evans a lot.

RELATED LINKS:

James Cohan Gallery | Artnet