For Immediate Release:

"Cut & Paste"
A selection of paintings by Stenzskull
Presented by the Jeff Claassen Gallery, San Luis Obispo CA
September 5 - October 4, 2008

The Claassen Gallery is pleased to present "Cut & Paste", an exhibition of original stencil work by up-and-coming artist, Stenzskull. This presentation of hand-cut stencil portraits on canvas and wood is representative of an emerging underground art scene in San Luis Obispo. The focus of this selection is the artist's inspiration, an idea which is explored in its many permutations. The images are as often iconic and poignant as they are satirical and opinionated. Subjects are both revered and subverted; exposed and obscured. Citing the the influence of Shepard Fairey and Banksy, among others, and the infallible connection between himself and his work, the artist states, "My art is everything that inspires me, displayed on canvas. I do it for the love."

Stencils have been employed by artisans for more than 12,000 years; From cave art depicting the hand prints of prehistoric man, Egyptian tomb decor, Japanese silks of the Edo period, and ancient publishing techniques, to Art Nouveau pochoirs, political propaganda of the 1940's, and Pop Art forerunners... Popularized more recently among street artists as a method of creating pieces in less time, thereby reducing the risks involved- stencil cutting has developed into a popular contemporary artistic medium. The skill and execution of a hand-cut stencil has become an art form in and of itself; requiring patience, a steady hand, and an absolute mastery of the concept of negative space. Unpretentious by nature, the impact of stencils is no less influential in the message and meaning the work conveys; and as Stenzskull confers, "Art is a great way to express your opinions- they may agree or not, but the reaction is what counts."

"Cut & Paste" will be Stenzskull's debut solo-exhibition.
Opening reception will be held on September 5th at 6PM in the Claassen Gallery at 1118 Morro St. SLO, CA.
Show runs through October 4, 2008.
For further information about this exhibition, please contact The Claassen Gallery at: 805.391.0361.
www.jeffclaassen.com