See the original article here: http://shakefistmagazine.blogspot.com/2011/08/shakefist-writer-visits-cotton-candy.html
Brooklyn's Cotton Candy Machine is a fairly new addition to the scene, having been open only since April 2011. Specializing in art prints, posters, books, toys and various interesting trinkets it has held an eclectic mix of exhibitions in it's short life span, including an intimate evening with US band The Melvins. On Friday 5th August the heavy humid Summer air was laced with the sweet smell of success - and sugar! - as Jeremyville and Buffmonster held an outstanding viewing at the art house entitled 'Sprout Up'. It was a night of free beers and cotton candy, bright colours and even brighter sentiments.
Buff Monster cites heavy metal music, ice cream and Japanese culture as his main influences and this is ever-present in his work. Awash with pink hues - which he describes as the colour of 'confidence, individuality and happiness' - and abstract Manga-style characters his work is definitely a product of his influences. Crazy animated characters, blow up ice cream cones, glossy-eyed stuffed animals and Tim Burton-esque skulls and pumpkin lanterns lay scattered throughout Cotton Candy Machines shelves and cabinets. His work is abstract and fun, even if a little confusing at times. My friend and I were particularly taken with a set of one-eyed characters which looked like a cross between a salt and pepper shaker and a massage implement - noting that neither of the aforementioned products would cost a whopping $350, which was the price tag on each of these little gems. Creative and fun Buff Monster likes to think outside the box, and I must say I do like his train of thought.
However being the optimistic, happy-go-lucky person that I am Jeremyville certainly stole the show for me. Matching basic and positive phrases with basic and positive shapes and colours Jeremyville takes you to a world where everything is possible and nothing can stop you. His messages of good will and inspiration seize the imagination and the accompanying animations are endearing to the heart and the eye. Phrases such as 'Imagine your future then make it real', 'Find a way out', 'Let's dream of each other' and 'The late worm evades the early bird' could come across as corny and cliche if not for his fun, colorful and finely sketched characters. His work also included a screen print poster series of New York neighborhoods such as the East Village, Devils Kitchen and Union Square - all of which captured the true essence and character of each neighborhood using minimal and basic colours - and a series of skate board decks which made me want to take to the streets on 4 small wheels myself. With numerous group exhibitions under his belt and the release of 2 styles of Jeremyville Chuck Taylor high top's by Converse it's clear that Jeremyville's artistic style is admired by the masses. The occurring themes and pop-art like images are simple in their delivery, and one can only hope Jeremyville's messages of life and love can inspire people through their viewings.
Thanks to the lively and inspirational works on show the scene at Cotton Candy was one of fun and frivolity on the night, and I highly recommend heading into Williamsburg to take in some of these fine pieces. The 'Sprout Up' exhibition featuring Buff Monster and Jeremyville is showing at the Cotton Candy Machine August 5th through September 4th.
