“Fantastic night at the Silverlake Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles. Honored to have contributed a piece (Bhavanga, Study of 9, 2018) to the event. The Silverlake Conservatory of Music does amazing, life-changing work for kids and the community.”
Viewed from afar, James Verbicky’s new series appears to be a common, perhaps even classical human eye, emphasized in art since the earliest of times. Up close, the viewer discovers it is in fact scattered with strange symbols, some pre-existing and some “jibberish” the artist himself created. Verbicky’s oft-used themes of the daily, relentless bombardment by media come into play here: the powerful roles that brands and icons play in influencing us to consume, to buy, to use in the construction of social identities and in social class and status. Perhaps this eye is like Big Brother, a faceless force in our world that watches and influences and drives us in unseen and subtle ways.
Produced by the artist in collaboration with master printmaker Richard Duardo, who has collaborated in creating works with artists such as Banksy, Shepard Fairey, David Hockney and Keith Haring, among others.
Wednesday marked the 2013 Art of Elysium ‘Pieces of Heaven’ charity auction, and it was a huge success, raising 60k with help from such artists as Shepard Fairey, David Arquette, Mr. Brainwash, James Rosenquist, and Donald Sultan. The auction was operated by Christie’s, and sponsored by Ciroc Vodka. Here are a few shots from the night!
Christie’s selected James Verbicky’s ‘Citta Samtana 19’ for the live auction portion.Crowd at the 2013 Art of Elysium ‘Pieces of Heaven’ AuctionTopher Grace and Art of Elysium founder Jennifer HowellDavid Arquette at the 2013 Art of Elysium ‘Pieces of Heaven’ AuctionArtist James Verbicky with his Piece at the 2013 Art of Elysium ‘Pieces of Heaven’ AuctionCitta Samtana 19 by James Verbicky, donated to the 2013 Art of Elysium ‘Pieces of Heaven’ Auction
An original Verbicky media painting was auctioned on March 5th, 2012 at the Waterkeeper Alliance Fundraising Auction held at Matthew Marks Gallery in New York City. Chaired by Waterkeeper Alliance President Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and artist Jeff Koons, the evening brought together stars of the art scene as well as philanthropic celebrities for the cause of protecting and raising awareness for the world’s water resources.
The media painting, entitled “Blitz 9 Panel #1” garnered multiple bids, and contributed to the evening’s impressive fundraising amount of over 5 million.
“Blitz 9 Panel #1” by James Verbicky 8″x8″ each | Mixed Media on Panel / Resin 2012 COPYRIGHT JAMES VERBICKYJames Verbicky with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Cheryl Hines at the Waterkeeper Alliance Charity Auction.Verbicky himself was the winning bidder on this piece by Shepard Fairey, entitled “Dark Wave”“Blitz 9 Panel #1” at the Waterkeeper Alliance Charity Auction