Kenny Scharf

Emerging with the New York City graffiti and street art movement of the 1980s, Kenny Scharf (b. 1958) is known for his vibrantly colorful large-scale paintings and exuberantly playful installations. 

His imagery draws upon pop icons, media advertising, and consumer culture of the 1960s, including TV cartoon characters such as the Flintstones and the Jetsons. Kenny Scharf showcases major paintings and sculptures from throughout the artist's career. 

Highlights of this exhibition are the expansive mural Pop Renaissance that surrounds the viewer, a version of the artist'sCosmic Cavern club-like environment, as well as a recreation of the artist's former Brooklyn studio complete with spattered walls, painted furniture and other workspace ephemera.

In speaking about his art, Kenny Scharf commented: "I believe the artist has a social responsibility to engage others in a thought process that ultimately brings the creative process into everyday life thereby enhancing the quality of our experience." According to Art News, he inaugurated his iconic Cosmic Cavern installations when he turned his basement into one of the day-glo environments that have been his trademark since the 1980s. 

Exhibition overview from the Nassau County Museum of Art website.