Anime Mixtape: Art exhibit by John Felix Arnold III

'Anime Mixtape', a new exhibition of work by John Felix Arnold III, now on display at RUNAWAY through January 18.

Anime Mixtape presents an eclectic visual journey of works, new and old, that create an intimate look into Arnold's process of investigating and working through life's struggles, feelings, questions, and memories by way of an evolving personal mythology and visual language. The show is a visual mixtape of sorts, each piece important and specific to a train of thought or moment while creating a larger experience that is both shared and singular.

The exhibition will consist of drawings, paintings, mixed media works, found objects, assemblage, and installation elements that move throughout the space creating a dynamic narrative. The works utilize both Japanese Manga and American Comic Book iconography and pop culture reference, Ukiyo-e influence, abstract expressionism, automatic writing, realism, gesture drawing, and more creating a visual inner dialogue as well as conversation with the viewer about connection, growth, loss, love, identity, idolatry, memory, spirituality, power, and purpose. In many ways this collection forms a map of time based signifiers in a period of life lived, and therein challenges the viewer to connect and reflect on their own experiences within. 

A wall painting done in Arnold's signature style of manga and comic book abstraction will also be part of the show along with a limited edition zine.

Artist Bio: John Felix Arnold III was born in Durham, NC. He received a BFA from Pratt Institute in 2002, and attended the San Francisco Art Institute for one year of continuing studies in 2007. He has shown globally, most notably with the SFMOMA, B.R.I.C. Arts House, The Luggage Store, Superchief Gallery, Aggregate Space, and Joseph Gross Gallery. He is a Los Angeles Dept. of Cultural Affairs Grant Awardee, two time Joan Mitchell Foundation Grant Nominee, and is in the private collection of Takashi Murakami. He regularly works with Master Artist in Residence Hirokazu Kosaka at the Japanese Creative Cultural Center in Los Angeles, and most recently was commissioned to create a site specific piece for the historic I Magnin building in downtown Oakland, CA. He is based in California and splits his time between the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles. 

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