Craig LaRotonda

BIO FROM LA LUZ DE JESUS http://www.laluzdejesus.com "Rise of the Robosapiens" October 5 - 28, 2012 Opening Reception: Friday, October 5th; 8-11 PM In Rise of The Robosapiens, artist Craig LaRotonda reveals a vision of the future where the evolution of humanity has resulted in a new version of man — an amalgamation of flesh and machinery. These are the Robosapiens. In this dark and unnerving environment, mankind suffers in a world of ominous mystery. Though technologically advanced, man struggles with existence while he continues his search for a higher consciousness and enlightenment. LaRotonda's richly layered paintings are provocative; his signature iconic style is reminiscent of Renaissance and Byzantine art, while at the same time remaining boldly contemporary. His surreal figurative work possesses a dark narrative and grotesque elegance. These distorted creatures are captured in a timeless space, surviving the brutality and beauty of existence. Craig's ability to make deformities and oddities so aesthetically magnificent is what makes his art so unique. Craig's artwork graces the walls of famous homes including collectors in France, Germany, Norway, Mexico, Canada, and the United States. Through his relationship with Film Art LA, his acclaimed art appears prominently in television and five feature-length motion pictures, including the Academy Award winning film "Traffic," directed by Steven Soderbergh. LaRotonda's striking and unique work has been featured in Time Magazine, The Washington Post, The Village Voice, The Progressive, Fangoria Magazine, The New York Times, Catapult Magazine, and numerous other publications. His work has received awards from the Society of Illustrators (in New York and Los Angeles), Communication Arts and Print Magazine. Exhibitions include solo shows in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York and Paris.