Paper Frank opens Pink Lemonade solo art show
Atlanta-based acrylic and tattoo artist puts some pink and yellow paint where it ain't
- Paper Frank
Atlanta-based visual and tattoo artist Paper Frank (né Frank Dunson) debuts his solo art show, Pink Lemonade, today (Thurs., July 11) at Blue Mark Studios on the Westside.
Even if you haven't heard of Paper Frank, chances are you've come across some of his work in, and maybe even outside of, Atlanta. His indoor and outdoor murals grace such local hot spots as Atlast Clothing in East Atlanta Village, Drunken Unicorn, Little Five Points, and Ginza Boutique in Underground. He also has a mural at Sea World in Orlando.
His signature style, a vibrant blend of anime and neo-pop, comes from "poor vision that allows him to see the world in large, simplistic shapes and colors," according to his artist's bio.
When I interviewed City of Ink co-owner Miya Bailey in January, he pointed to Paper Frank (his former apprentice and current COI tattoo artist) as one of the city's visual artists to watch. Frank's acrylic paintings bring to life two characters, Damien and Jessica, he created "to depict certain moments throughout my life," his artistic statement reads. "Painting is a way for me to express my anger in a tangible way, but I make it pleasant with my use of color."
Born in 1990, the Asheville, N.C., native has garnered an international rep and a devoted following among Atlanta's young creatives, perhaps illustrated best by the $5,760 he raised in just two weeks via a Kickstarter campaign launched a month and a half before the Pink Lemonade opening. The exhibit contains approximately 23 new works and will continue through Sun., Sept. 29.
Paper Frank's acrylic solo show Pink Lemonade. Opens Thurs., July 11. 6-9:30 p.m. Blue Mark Studios, 892 Jefferson St. 678-786- 9490. www.bluemarkstudios.com. After party: Space2, 485 Edgewood Ave.