December 2, 2024
From time to time, Greneker’s shop has become a resource for artists working in a variety of disciplines. One of them is Plastic Jesus, who has used streets and galleries in and around Los Angeles and the U.S. as an outlet for his brand of public art, stencils, sculpture, objects and installations. His work is infused with a razor-sharp wit and offers commentary on a variety of themes around class, celebrity, media and politics. He was kind enough to take some time out to talk with us about his art.
For those who aren’t familiar with your work, can you tell us a bit about your background?
I was a photojournalist for over 20 years before reinventing myself as an artist. My work is really an extension of my photojournalism, I attempt to focus on current issues, but using art as my medium. I’m inspired by current affairs, news, politics, social issues and rights.
We started seeing your stencils around town about 10 years ago – when did you decide to concentrate your efforts on art?
Just over 10 years ago I became disillusioned by the world of journalism, a news organization I had previous respected start to fill their news content with celebrity news and gossip. I was looking for a new way to express myself. I started by recreating some street art by the famous guerrilla artist “Banksy”, He is a master at communicating complex issues using simple graphics, characters and messages. I recreated about 10 pieces but as photographs, using real people as models. Not only did these go viral, it also meant I was looking at his work and analyzing it far more than any person would normally. This led to me trying my own stencils.
Are you traditionally trained as an artist or more self-taught?
I’m self-taught. I think artists often have the entrepreneurial spirit, and have this built-in philosophy which basically says “if someone else can do it so can you.” Learning new skills during the creative process is very rewarding, whether it’s design, fabrication, finishing, or the business side of being an artist. It’s a constant learning curve.
Your art has evolved from stencils and prints to objects and installations. Early on it was easy to see the influence of Blek Le Rat and Banksy on your work, and now you are carving out your own place in the art world. Tell us a little about that journey.
My early work was simple stencils, similar to Blek Le Rat or Banksy. I realized painting pieces on the street is an easy way to get a lot of eyes looking at my work. And, if I could get a controversial piece to go viral online then possibly millions of people would see my work. Personally, I love making physical objects, even as a young child I was out in the garden shed making things out of wood or fixing things. So, the transition to “objects” was for me a natural and enjoyable one. I’m also extremely aware of the privilege that exists to have a piece of my work inside someone’s home, so to make “beautiful” art that people can look at every day is a challenge and something I constantly try to achieve.
Why do you do what you do – and what motivates you to keep creating?
Creativity is the core of my being, whether it’s taking photographs or building a piece of physical art to adorn someone’s home. I don’t know where it comes from. I just know if you have a fire inside and you ignore it, life is very unfulfilling. My first career was actually as an electronics technician, something I was reasonably good at but hated. There a great audio recording online by the writer and philosopher Alan Watts, I think everyone should listen to this at least once a year and ask themselves “Am I doing what I love...” If the answer is no, then you need to make a change.
Some of your pieces have generated a lot of buzz, especially your installation work around the Academy Awards. Have you ever gotten into trouble for putting your art out into the public eye? Is it still a thrill to go out and place your art into the streets?
Most of my street pieces receive a positive response, but to be fair Los Angeles is something of a “lefty” bubble. It does give me a sense of pride creating and displaying a street piece, just knowing that people will engage with it on so many levels, whether it’s just a surprise that the piece exists, or amusement, or sometimes a deeper questioning as to the meaning and message of the piece. It’s still quite a buzz running from cops and getting away!
Society and media seemingly never cease to provide ample inspiration for good art … What are you working on right now?
I’m currently working on a number of projects, but the details are secret at the moment. I try to combine topical and controversial street pieces at the same time as creating more aesthetically pleasing art that sells. Whilst people may love a street piece there’s a chance they don’t want it hanging in their home. As a working artist it’s important to make art that sells the concept that if an artist makes art for money he or she has sold out is BS in my opinion. It’s an honor if someone is prepared to pay for my art.
Any artists whose work you particularly admire right now?
I love artists that push the limits of materials. At the moment I love Jonathan Prince. He makes incredible sculptures, often working in marine grade stainless steel, and using material that will age and change with time, almost like a living breathing piece of art. I also love the photography of Eugene Richards, his documentary work is so intimate and revealing without being exploitative.
Can art save the world?
Sadly, no. Art cannot save the world because we don’t listen to our emotions and inner compass. We are driven by greed, narcissism, and power, not love and compassion.
You can see more work by Plastic Jesus on Instagram at @plasticjesus and at plasticjesus.net
