Baton Rouge Gallery – center for contemporary art (“BRG”) is proud to announce the 58 artists (representing 26 different states) that have been selected for inclusion in Surreal Salon 9. The national juried exhibition highlights the growing quality and popularity of the pop-surrealist/lowbrow movement in American contemporary art. This year's exhibition was juried by one of the most respected artists working within that movement, Greg “Craola” Simkins.

The exhibition will be held January 4 - 26, 2017 at BRG (located inside the Recreation and Park Commission of East Baton Rouge Parish’s (“BREC”) historic City Park (1515 Dalrymple Dr.). During the show’s run, it will be open to the public, free of charge, during normal gallery hours (Tuesday-Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.).

SURREAL SALON 9'S JUROR

"CRAOLA" SIMKINS

Over the years, Surreal Salon has enlisted well-known and well-respected jurors for Surreal Salon – including gallerist and co-founder of Juxtapoz Magazine, Greg Escalante and internationally-renowned artists such as Josh “Shag” Agle and Elizabeth McGrath - to assist in making Surreal Salon as artistically engaging as possible. That tradition is once again renewed with one the most respected artists in pop-surrealism today with Greg “Craola” Simkinsserving as Special Guest Juror and personally selecting each work to be included in the exhibition from the submissions received. 

Simkins is a Los Angeles based artist who began drawing at the early age of three and was inspired by various cartoons and books. At the age of 18, Simkins started doing graffiti under the name “Craola.” Graffiti art became his impetus for creating and gave him the confidence to paint large works.  In addition it taught him perspective, color theory and further developed his artistic skills, which later translated into his work with acrylics. It is his careful weaving of pop culture, the old masters, nature, carnival kitsch, and (most importantly) his warped imagination, that makes Greg "Craola" Simkins a sought-after surrealist painter today. Simkins’ artwork has appeared in museums and galleries throughout the world.

The work selected by the exhibition’s juror as “Best in Show” for Surreal Salon 9 will be prominently featured in an editorial on the exhibition that will be seen by millions the world over in an upcoming 2017 issue of Juxtapoz Magazine. The artist’s work will appear (with title and medium listed) and will be recognized as “Best in Show” for Surreal Salon 9.