Keith Mayerson, a renowned artist and former cartoonist, has captivated audiences with his unique artistic vision, blending personal narratives and American identity. His work, My American Dream, is a testament to his exploration of American identity, activism, and popular culture. With a background in cartooning and a deep appreciation for art, Mayerson's journey to becoming a painter is a fascinating one. His work is characterized by a humming, vibratory painting style, creating abstract 'iconscapes' that pulse with life and feeling. These forms stand alone, providing a counterpoint to the appropriated photographic sources he uses and his often acid-yellow underpainting. His work envisions an aspirational, enthusiastic now, as much as it speaks to a nostalgic, utopian past.
Mayerson's early influences include comics, children's book illustrations, and the works of Hunter S. Thompson and Ralph Steadman. He also found inspiration in the Muppets, particularly Jim Henson's ability to create characters with compassion and community. Charles Schulz, with his spiritual and inclusive world-building, is another hero of Mayerson's. These early influences shaped his artistic style and approach to storytelling.
His time at Brown University and the University of California, Irvine, played a significant role in his development as an artist. At Brown, he studied semiotics and studio art, thinking of being a New Yorker cartoonist. He also explored acting, playwriting, and directing. After graduating, he moved to New York City and began submitting cartoons, realizing the challenges of being a cartoonist. This led him to pursue fine art, and he worked at the Robert Miller Gallery, surrounded by influential artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat and Robert Mapplethorpe.
Mayerson's thesis show, 'Pinocchio the Big Fag,' was a series of drawings with a narrative, exploring a parallel universe to the real Pinocchio. This early work demonstrated his interest in non-linear narrative installations, which he has continued throughout his career. His solo show at Jay Gorney featured a mix of paintings and drawings, including his 'iconscapes,' which aimed to capture the core of what was building the life of his paintings.
The My American Dream project, born after 9/11, is a representation of Mayerson's personal heroes and the positive aspects of life in the United States. It includes civil rights leaders, cultural icons, landscapes, family scenes, and environments, all of which have shaped his progressive political and cultural thinking. The project is presented in 'chapters,' with each chapter representing a collective whole. One of the latest chapters, Rocky Mountain High, is on view at the Aspen Art Museum, where Mayerson draws inspiration from the Aspen idea and his childhood experiences near Denver.
Mayerson's work also explores the significance of love in painting. He believes that love is an important component in creating works with a life of their own. He draws inspiration from artists like Jim Henson and Charles Schulz, who were able to bring their creations to life through their love and connection to their characters. Mayerson aims to humanize the people he depicts, combining cultural relevance with qualities found in Rembrandt's portraits.
In conclusion, Keith Mayerson's artistic journey is a testament to his unique vision and exploration of American identity. His work, My American Dream, is a powerful representation of his personal heroes and the positive aspects of life in the United States. His painting style, influenced by his early experiences and artistic heroes, creates a vibrant and captivating world that resonates with audiences.
