Pop artist and painter Ron English, UNT alumnus, builds Brandit Pop Mart at UNT on the Square

Monday, February 24, 2014 - 16:37
Category:

What: New York based painter, designer and street artist Ron English, a University of North Texas alumnus, will be in Denton presenting a week-long site-specific installation that explores advertising and agribusiness as a part of the Mary Jo and V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series. At the end of the week, gallery visitors will be able to obtain a piece of artwork at the Barter Market, which gives a piece of art in return for a donation of a needed item for the Denton County Friends of the Family nonprofit group.

When: March 4-8 (Tuesday–Saturday); Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, with extended hours to 8 p.m. on Thursdays. On Saturday March 8, the gallery will be open special hours for the Barter Market, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: UNT on the Square, 109 N. Elm St., Denton

Price: Free

What else: Artist's reception is from 5 to 7 p.m. March 7 (Friday).Barter Market is from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8 (Saturday). At the Barter Market, gallery visitors can bring in items such as non-perishable food or toiletries to exchange for items from the exhibition.

DENTON, Texas (UNT) -- University of North Texas alumnus Ron English, a New York- based painter, designer and street artist, will present a week-long site-specific installation March 4-8 (Tuesday-Sunday) in Denton. The installation examines truth in advertising and agribusiness while reinterpreting product packaging and in-store signage. Gallery visitors will be able to view the exhibit and have a chance to take away an art piece at the Barter Market on Saturday.

The exhibit will take place at UNT on the Square, 109 N. Elm St, Denton. The interactive installation is a part of the Mary Jo and V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series. The 'products' in the installation will be assembled by UNT College of Visual Arts and Design students under the supervision of Professor James Thurman based upon templates and instructions provided by Ron English. Ron English will also be meeting with CVAD classes as a part of his residency at UNT.

English coined the term "POPaganda" to describe his signature mash-up of high and low culture touchstones. His images have been featured in museums, movies, books and album covers, making him one of the more recognizable living artists. Among his more famous images are MC Supersized, the obese fast-food mascot featured in the movie "Supersize Me;" and Abraham Obama, the fusion of Presidents Abraham Lincoln and Barack Obama, an image that is thought to have directly impacted the 2008 election.

An artist's reception will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. March 7 (Friday) at UNT on the Square.

The Barter Market will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 8 (Saturday) at UNT on the Square. In exchange for a donation to Denton County Friends of the Family, a nonprofit that provides services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, gallery visitors will get a piece of artwork from the Brandit Popmart exhibition. Needed items include bath soap, socks, underwear and nonperishable food. A complete list of needed items will be posted at the gallery.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, with extended hours to 8 p.m. on Thursdays.

 

Watch a video of English discussing his exhibit

About the Mary Jo and V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series

The Fine Arts Series began as the Lyceum Series in 1903 when UNT was North Texas Normal College. The series has grown over the past century while never losing sight of its purpose to enrich UNT students' lives and provide a higher quality of life at the university.  Now in its 109th season, the series continues to entertain and educate the campus community by presenting an exciting series of performing, visual and literary arts events. All Fine Arts Series performances are presented free of charge to UNT students.

About Denton Friends of the Family

Denton County Friends of the Family is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive services to those impacted by rape, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, while partnering with our community to promote safety, healing, and prevention. For more information, visit Denton Country Friends of the Family, online.

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