Joel Nakamura

January GALLERY Exhibit – Joel Nakamura and Max Lehman

by Brad
December 8, 2015

January brings two exciting shows
to Stranger Factory!

Joel Nakamura: Zen Gardens

Max Lehman: Gods + Goop + Gobbledygook

Joel Nakamura and Max Lehman, both residents of the Santa Fe area, share a common thread as they both utilize modern imagery as well as folk motifs, across various traditions, in their work. January brings their respective, complementary exhibitions to Stranger Factory.

Zen Gardens will include two bodies of work with about twenty paintings, a few of which will bridge together Nakamura’s conceptualization of Zen garden principals, where we might find war-like creatures in serene and peaceful surroundings, with the Japanese Pop aesthetic that makes his work instantly recognizable.

Gods & Goop & Gobbledygook will feature approximately twenty hand-painted and glazed ceramic sculptures, in a variety of sizes. Lehman’s pieces seamlessly blend his animation-inspired characters against a backdrop of ancient symbolism and in his upcoming exhibition, he invites viewers to not only find their own meaning in the search for knowledge through nonsense, but to consider the possibility that there is no meaning, just mystery.

The opening reception will be on January 8th from 6-9pm
and both artists will be in attendance.

Zen Gardens and Gods & Goop & Gobbledygook
will remain on display until January 31st.

Stranger Factory
3411 Central Avenue NE
Albuquerque, NM 87106
505-508-3049

‘Symbols & Concepts’ Workshop with Joel Nakamura @ Stranger Factory 9.9

by Brad
August 21, 2012January 29, 2013

In conjunction with his Kaiju vs. Yokai exhibition opening next month at Stranger Factory, celebrated folk- and neo-primitive artist Joel Nakamura is hosting a small-group rendering workshop at the gallery on Sunday, Sept. 9th at 3pm.

The one-hour class will apply basic drawing skills and introduce students to working on concepting (idea creation) and visual communication through symbols/icons and rough-form short-hand sketching. Design students, this class is for you!

The cost of the workshop is $25 ($20 w/ valid student ID), including supplies. Space is limited to only a dozen spots. A pre-paid deposit is required (non-refundable) in advance to reserve your spot in the class. To RSVP, stop by or call the gallery at (505) 508-3049, or Paypal to kathieolivas@msn.com (make sure to add ‘Joel Nakamura Workshop’ as the subject line).

** Bring a notebook if you want to take your own notes during the workshop. Photos and video must be approved by Stranger Factory staff in advance.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn direct from a master of tribal art and mythology in an up-close and intimate setting!

Stranger Factory Presents: The Pit of Unease, Anomie, Mystic Visions & Kaiju Vs. Yokai, 9.7

by Brad
August 11, 2012January 29, 2013
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Stranger Factory is proud to present four solo exhibitions opening next month that explore the magic and mystery of otherworldly creatures.

Join Travis Lampe in The Pit of Unease, a new collection of 2D works that chronicles his descent into the bowels of the earth. Ready your tights and ridiculous hats, for you are about to encounter some of the most dangerous and improbable creatures ever painted! From pugnacious owls to wacky wizards and other silly, elbowless characters, strange things are afoot in The Pit of Unease!