Kenny Scharf Jungle Jungle Jungle

Kenny Scharf’s work first came to prominence in what’s known as The New York Downtown Scene. It can be argued that much of the most influential visual art and music of the last fifty or so years emerged from this movement. Artists such as Futura 2000, Rammellzee, Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, Jenny Holzer, Barbara Kruger, David Wojnarowicz, Martin Wong, and many, many others were linked to this nebulous group of creatives. These artists exhibited together, “partied hard” together as “Club Kids,” and ultimately changed the face of popular culture. Kenny Scharf was a key member of this group. Some noteworthy and legendary exhibitions from this period include 'New York/New Wave' (1981) and 'The Times Square Show' (1980), as well as galleries such as The Fun Gallery (1981–85) and Fashion Moda (1978–93). There are clearly many stories to tell about this iconic moment in mid-1970s and early 1980s New York history. It is equally interesting to focus on what Scharf is doing now. His deep engagement with nature and ecology and his critique of consumerism has perhaps been overlooked. Scharf’s oeuvre is resolutely consistent. He has been painting and sculpting the same alternative universe for over fifty years. Today, Scharf-world is more refined and concentrated than ever. 

— A press release by Cedar Lewisohn, writer, artist and curator, will follow.