Art Attack - Mark Ryden

Do you recognize this image?  If you do, then you know this is the album cover to the Red Hot Chili Peppers album 'One Hot Minute,' released in 1995.  What you might not know about it is that it's an illustration by an incredibly talented artist by the name of Mark Ryden.  Definately one of my all time favourite artists, right up there with Dali. 

Living and working in California, he shares a studio with his wife who is also an artist by the name of Marion Peck.  Ryden first showed his work at the 'Side Show' exhibition in 1994, then later having his first solo show titled 'The Meat Show.'  Now with 55 exhibitions under his belt, although I am not going to list them all, other notable exhibitions would be the 'The Tree Show' taken place in Los Angelas, California in 2007 and 'The Snow Yak Show' in Tokyo, Japan in 2009.

Ryden has also made quite the impression on the music scene designing album covers for popular musicians such as Michael Jackson, Ringo Starr, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Screaming Trees, Jack Off Jill and Scarling.  Last year Kirk Hammett of Metallica comissioned him to paint one of his guitars and is pictured holding it on the cover of 'Guitar Worlds' April 2009 issue.  Ryden is also credited for tatoo work on Aerosmiths album 'Pump.' 

Here is the link to Mark Rydens website and I have picked out a great selection of  his works to show you.

                         

With 55 exhibitions there is plenty more where these favs came from so be sure to check it out!