April 18, 2008
World of Wonder Storefront Gallery
The World of Wonder Storefront Gallery reopens on April 25 with the group show "depARTed," with works themed to celebrities who "inspired before they expired." The show's curator, actor Daniel Franzese, introduces you to Chase Tafoya, one of the contributors:
When searching for artists for my shows I try to leave no stone unturned. I stumbled upon Chase Tafoya at about 3AM on MySpace and I became an instant fan. Chase Tafoya's most recent work focuses primarily on portraits with a heavy Renaissance feel. His images haunt you and some even stare you down like they're about to console you or ask you to dance.
It's even more awe-inspiring when the subject is an old friend. I knew actor and pro skateboarder Harold Hunter pretty well when I lived in New York City, so when I first saw Chase's portrait of Hunter, painted onto a skate deck, I was floored. I saw the way my friend was honored in the piece and it moved me… I knew at that moment this show was going to be something special.
Chase was born in 1983, and much of his work is influenced by the graffiti, skateboarding, and tattoo cultures of California. He also pulls from his relationships with faith, family, and friends, which he tries to incorporate into every piece. Although he's had some formal art training, Chase is primarily self-taught in acrylic painting. He is dedicated and passionate about his craft. Chase says of his work " The people are representations of expressions I try to convey, rather than just a face. Painting challenges me to voice an emotion without speaking." Collectors of Chase's artwork range from lawyers to tattooists, and clients include museums, schools, and clothing companies. Chase was recently featured in Issue 5 of Refused art magazine, and Juxtapoz reader art. For more information on Chase Tafoya, click here.
– Daniel Franzese
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