Art show brings a little ‘weirdo’ to North Park

Unleashing 60 pieces of unusual art for fans of the unexpected and unique, Kelly Hutchinson, art director of the newly opened Dia Del Café coffee shop in North Park, presents the Weirdo Art Show with fellow artist Andrew Robbins. Under Hutchinson’s watch, the cafe (which is already adorned with mural art) will be a regular haven to a host of talented local artists.

In the midst of the show, which runs through June 8, PACIFIC spoke with Hutchinson and Robbins to find out more about what makes a show weirdo, their artistic influences, and the weirdest thing in America.

PACIFIC: What makes the show “weirdo”?
KELLY HUTCHINSON: “Weirdo” is more in reference to the lowbrow art movement and pop surrealism style of art. It’s a bit of a generic name, but seemed fitting for the show.

What are some of the pieces about?
HUTCHINSON: In particular, I have two pieces in this show that I am proud of: Happiness is a Warm Clown and The Future of Farming.
Happiness is a Warm Clown is about a circus clown that loses his mind. Nothing goes right in his world, and upon the moment of him committing a mass killing spree, he feels an inner warmth that takes over his body, like the peak of anger and rage which turns into craziness.
The Future of Farming is more of a satirical outlook upon the nuclear waste that is being buried on the beaches of San Onofre. It’s like a sick joke of a television infomercial where the audience is chanting “bury it and forget it!” Laws are voted in about plastic bags and banning straws and Styrofoam containers, and so many efforts are being made to conserve the beach and the ocean. Yet, we are burying nuclear waste on our beaches.

What inspires your art?
HUTCHINSON: Mostly my art is inspired by anything and everything around me. My mood swings much like my art. Some days, I like to paint portraits of serial killers. The next moment, I am into painting cute little kittens.
ANDREW ROBBINS: As an artist my work constantly changes and evolves. In my opinion, staying stagnant in one style or another limits your audience in the art world, and your client base in the tattoo world.

Do you have any artists that influence your work?
HUTCHINSON: As of recently, I have been following a lot of art auctions that list 19th century and 18th century unknown student works from the early European Artist Guilds. It is fascinating to study what they studied way back then.
ROBBINS: My influences range from (American artist Jean-Michel) Basquiat to (tattoo artist and apparel icon) Ed Hardy to (Swiss painter) H.R. Giger. I like artists who push the boundaries of art.

What do you say to those who might initially turn away from this style of art?
HUTCHINSON: This style of art is not for everyone. I don’t think it was ever meant to (be). What I would say is find your love and passion in art and buy it! Wake up every day to a vision that just sweeps you off your feet and brings the most happiness to you. Life is way too short not to, no matter what the price is.

Weirdest thing happening right now in America?
HUTCHINSON: How did the price of bean and cheese burritos at local taco shops jump from $2 to $6 in the last few years?
ROBBINS: What isn’t weird about America?

Weirdo Art Show

When: Through June 8, 2019
Where: Dia Del Café, 2873 Adams Ave. A, North Park
Phone: 619.538.7067
More info: diadelcafe.com
Follow the artists: KellyHutchison.com; propagandatattoo.com/andy-s-tats