James Charles
Clockwise from top left: Noh Mask, Pinup Queen, Hits from the Bong, and Doggy Style
Ink Drawings on United States Bank Notes

Kelsey Savage Hays of Auction Central News International posted an informative interview featuring artist James Charles. Topics covered include insight into what he hopes viewers will take away from his current exhibit at Shooting Gallery, 333 Conspiracy, and how he chooses the subjects in his work. Check out a clip from the interview below and read the full article here. 333 Conspiracy, A Solo Show by James Charles is on view at Shooting Gallery through August 4, 2024.

Q: What do you want your viewers to take away from 333 Conspiracy?

A: I would like viewers to walk away feeling like they’ve seen something humorous, and at the same time something artistically substantial—a few laughs and some warm, fuzzy art feelings.

Q: You’ve used characters and celebrities from Willy Wonka to Dog the Bounty Hunter. What’s the thought-process behind choosing whom you will portray?

A: I gravitate toward different characters and subjects for different reasons. Usually, whoever or whatever strikes me as funny, important or relevant in some way. Sometimes my intent is to pay homage to an individual that I have admiration and respect for; and sometimes it’s to make fun of, or make a statement about someone or something I find totally absurd. Either way, I like to bring my sometimes twisted sense of humor to the work.

James Charles
Geisha & Dragon
Ink Drawing on United States Bank Note
17.5×14″ Framed

James Charles’ “333 Conspiracy,” opens tonight at Shooting Gallery from 7-11pm. Join us for an evening of art, drinks, friends and the chance to talk with the artist.

From the press release:

“333 Conspiracy” will be composed of more than 40 ink drawings on U.S. bank notes. The iconic pop characters appropriated and rendered on the bills by artist James Charles, range from comedic to tragic; from important figures to trivial cult heroes from both past and present. The artist titles or adds commentary to the pieces by altering the script along the bottom of the note. With inspiration drawn from rock and roll, bad sitcoms, sideshow performers, chessboxing, folk tales and fast food, he shines a light on the ridiculous and the worshiped, reminding us that both what we love and what we hate about pop culture is a reflection of ourselves.

RSVP to the event here

More After the Jump Read more »

Artist James Charles confronts us with satirical humor by seamlessly employing his deft illusionism on actual U.S. currency. This results in a playful commentary on American culture by inverting our beloved icons of monetary value. He discusses the visual nuances in money, as well as the new direction of his current work. His solo show ‘333 Conspiracy’ opens on July 14th, 7-11pm, and will run through August 4th at the Shooting Gallery.

RSVP here

View more after the jump. Read more »

Pick up a copy of the SF Chronicle and check out the write up on James Charles in “The Watch” column by Kimberly Chun.

Local artist James Charles will be unveiling his new solo show, “333 Conspirarcy,” at Shooting Gallery this Saturday, 7-11pm. Join us and RSVP here!

“Seemingly unaffected by the Secret Service for the defacement of more than 40 U.S. bank notes, artist James Charles’ 333 Conspiracy exhibition at the Shooting Gallery presents a collection of mini-masterpieces of pop culture icons, historical heroes, and cult figures intricately drawn on the almighty dollar bill. Running through August 4th, Charles’ work is more than just a smiley on George Washington’s face (and he prefers to work with fives, anyway), but instead a powerful reflection and rendering of who and what we worship.” – Emma Rae Lierley, Flavorpill

Join us this Saturday, July 14th, at Shooting Gallery for the opening of SF artist James Charles’ 333 Conspiracy from 7-11pm.

RSVP here