Christopher Casclo’s multicolored collages (Neon Tommy/ Vanessa Hung)

Unlike other traditional, high-end art exhibitions that seem abstract and complex to many of us, “3 Cowboys, 2 Drugs and a Skater” is an installation that greatly engages a young audience by shedding light on the history and characteristics of American youth culture. The exhibition brings together three vibrant groups of American youth culture: cowboys, skateboarders and the Drugs Crew. The exhibit is currently on public display at the New Image Art Gallery, which is located in West Hollywood, a neighborhood filled with artistic ambiance.

Featuring artists Christopher Casclo, Bryson and Holly Hein Brooks, Mark Cross, Chad Muska and Panda Sex, “3 Cowboys, 2 Drugs and a Skater” illuminates three subgenres of American youth culture by displaying art works based on themes such as cowboys, cowgirls, horses, iconic stars and objects. Stepping into the gallery, I was immediately intrigued by the strikingly different styles of the art works, ranging from oil painting to collage to comic sketch, all of which approach the same subject matters in utterly different dimensions.

Christopher Casclo’s multicolored collages are some of the most noteworthy works of the entire exhibition. His displayed works include “Stereo Speaking City," “Running Clocks” and “Plug In, Turn On,” all of which are reminiscent of one of the most representative collages of all time: Richard Hamilton’s "Just what is it that today’s homes so different, so appealing." In his works, Casclo seeks to encapsulate his personal experiences by cutting and organizing images into impeccable composition, capturing the essence and dynamics of youth culture and also demonstrating his own longing of youth.

In addition, the array of paintings by Bryson and Holly Hein Brooks mainly focuses on western themes such as cowboys, cowgirls, motorcycles and horses and seeks to explore various gestural westerns. Cowboys and motorcycles, symbolizing freedom and self-reliance, were wittily employed in reflecting the youngsters' self-perceptions and views toward the world they are living in. Another point of interest was that the artists opted to use gold leaf as one of their mediums, delivering a sense of grandeur to the audiences and stressing the symbolic importance of cowboys, cowgirls and motorcycles in American youth culture.

Panda Sex’s “Gameboy Graffiti I & II” (Vanessa Hung/ Neon Tommy)

The most impressive pieces that caught my eye were the series of artworks by Panda Sex, one of the members of an art group of contemporary graffiti artists called Drugs Crew. Deeply infatuated by the aesthetics of graffiti, Panda Sex approaches the American youth culture in a rather playful manner. His works include “Sneaker," “Sneakers" and “Gameboy Graffiti I & II," which involve objects that possess everyday and commonplace value. My personal favorite was “Gameboy Graffiti I & II," which deeply embeds significant social contexts and phenomenon. In “Gameboy Graffiti I & II,” Panda Sex indicates the relationships between technology and youth culture, an inseparable linkage nowadays. Panda Sex certainly has a great sense toward youth subculture, enabling the audience to understand what young people value and can relate to in contemporary society.  

The exhibition will be on display at the New Image Art Gallery until Feb. 9, 2013.

Reach Staff Reporter Vanessa here.