By Adewale Adekanbi Jr.
Parra an Amsterdam-based Dutch artist, is presenting Yer So Bad- his series of new works at the Jonathan LeVine Gallery January 8 through February 7, 2015. Yer So Bad showcases a continuation of Parra’s witty and salacious post-pop imagery. Titled after the Tom Petty song, Yer So Bad, which tells the story of a girl who marries a “yuppie” and takes him for all he’s worth, this exhibition features the artist’s signature hybrid figures and freeform typography in works on canvas and paper.
His flat compositions are accented with graphic lines and reminiscent of works by Keith Haring and Roy Lichtenstein. The artist creates this provocative species with a comic-like sensibility. Parra work ranges from bold, highly saturated red and blue on the canvases to a more graphic quality in black and white in his paper drawings.
In addition the visual art Parra has designed the Parra Nike Air Max 1 sneakers and coordinating Parra G-Shock watch. He autographed the sneaker and watch for for loyal sneaker enthusiast including a member of the popular sneaker show Kicks TV.
The Parra Nike Air Max 1 was released on March 13, 2010. This simple but distinctive low top sneaker has remained a favorite of those in the “sneaker world”. The model features a burgundy suede and mesh upper, terry chenille on the Swoosh, multi-color outsole and subtle details like the PARRA-branded tongue patch and hand-drawn shoe-liner graphic.
Adewale Adekanbi Jr. Photographer
