MUFFINHEAD BRINGS "THE EXCLAMATIONIST" TO ARENA GALLERY.

Muffinhead is a bold personality, a bold artist, and his exhibit reflects that. It is a collection of acrylics that have a definite Japanese pop-culture meets Coney Island feel. The mix of day glow and black and white would be campy, if not so empowering. The subjects of his works seem unbothered that they are weird and fantastic, and it made me wonder if I was critiquing them or the other way around.  

"I'm always inspired by the Big Four: Love, hate, sex and violence," said Muffinhead.  "Being married inspires me, partly because its both frustrating and beautiful. Beyond that, it's all very much my sacred, secret little diary just sort of ripped, dissected, manipulated and opened up to the public."  

At the opening his guests clearly didn't believe that art should be restricted to a wall. Adorned in colorful and outrageous costumes, it was as if they were the characters in his pieces, jumping out of the paintings and ready to mingle. I'm sure Muffinhead was pleased, for it was a celebration of his visions and creativity—a compliment from his audience, by all means.  

When asked about viewers' reactions, he replied, "The reaction is usually very strong because people tend to respect the hard work and sacrifice that goes into taking 3-6 months on a piece. They can feel it and they respect it. Lucky for me, they mostly understand very well what I'm trying to do. I get a lot of questions about Sad Hitler because it seems to be very appealing to them, yet they are a little confused as to why exactly..."

Notable guests and performers included Tina Louise (the iconic Ginger on Gilligan's Island!), Dirty Martini, Amber Ray, Artist Soigne Deluxe, Tigger Narcissister, Jo Boobs, Ms. Tickle, Darlinda Just Darlinda, Darrell Thorne of the Pixie Harlots, and Petey Pig.

Viewings are by pre-arrangement only. To set up an appointment please email info@arenanyc.com.

For more information on Muffinhead go to www.myspace.com/mmmuffinhead.