With Halloween almost upon us I’d like to make mention of an incredible art show that just opened in the L.A. area that is not only seasonally appropriate, but also contains many connections to the world of comics: October Shadows at Gallery Nucleus in downtown Alhambra, CA.

Hallodry by Tony Lombardo

Gallery Nucleus (whose fifth anniversary is right around the corner) is a mandatory stop for anyone in Los Angeles with an interest in the current contemporary/pop surrealism art scene. Their stellar list of previously spotlighted artists includes Drew Struzan, William Stout, Bernie Wrightson, James Jean, Junko Mizuno, Lou Romano and the late Bob Peak. Completely and refreshingly free of any bullshit pretense found at so many other L. A. art venues, Gallery Nucleus gives equal space and respect for all work of true quality regardless of medium and (thankfully) does not draw distinctions between commercial and non-commercial art. Depending on the show in question content can range from completely cute to supremely sinister. It is in this latter category that the October Shadows show firmly resides.

Satan by Martin Astles

Featuring work from a variety of incredibly talented creators from almost every media arena  (comics, film, book illustration, etc…) working in a variety of mediums (sculptural, digital, oils, pen & ink) we are treated to a collection that ranges from the funny to the unfathomable. I really love the entries by the great William Stout that really capture the essence of the holiday via classic Halloween iconography complete with witches, pumpkins and swirling autumn leaves. Seeing this kind of imagery can really take us back to being a kid and remind us why we love this season so much in the first place.

Harvest Witch by William Stout

Stout’s huge accomplishments as a comic creator, book illustrator, motion picture production designer, album cover artist, muralist, fine art painter, etc… are far, far too extensive to mention here. However, stay tuned for an exclusive, career-spanning interview with the man himself in an upcoming installment of Sequential Sunday!

William Stout poses with Celtic Crone.

Bruce Fuller was a major contributor to the fondly remembered independent horror comic of the late 80’s Gore Shriek. Since that time he has had a tremendous career in  motion picture FX with a fair share of that work as a sculptor. That talent was on full display in the show in a series of life-size busts that varied from old fashioned spooky to flat out gruesome.

The Ghost Of Graymoor Manor by Bruce Fuller

Six time Academy Award winner Rick Baker had several pieces of digital work on display. After being familiar with his film work for so many years it was cool to see this other aspect of his art.

You Found Me by Rick Baker

Popular book illustrator Gris Grimly, whose releases are just as at home on a comic store shelf as they are in a large chain book store, had some interesting characters on display rendered in his trademark Goth yet whimsical style.

If You’re Happy and You Know It Clap Your Paws by Gris Grimly

Cam de Leon, best known for the phenomenal phantasmagoric imagery he’s created for the band Tool supplied some appropriate otherworldly imagery.

Nightfall by Cam de Leon

Miles Teves, an extremely talented motion picture storyboard and conceptual artist, had some outstanding imagery on display.

Miles Teves poses with Stroke Of Midnight

Those present also had the chance to meet Miles’ beautiful wife and muse Malena. Here she poses next to a Margaret Keane inspired portrait of herself.

Malena Teves poses alongside herself via Victorian Pets by husband Miles.

As if all the great art, cool guests, free drinks and candy weren’t enough, in the upstairs gallery members of the model collective known as Gallery Girls were on hand to pose for a figure drawing workshop.

As the evening winds down gorgeous Gallery Girls model Jennifer Fabos Patton finally gets a break.

It is safe to say that everyone present at the show had a good time and that the show was a great success. If you are in the L.A. area I very highly recommend visiting Gallery Nucleus before October Shadows closes on November 2^nd. If you are not in L.A. be on the lookout for the October Shadows art book from Creature Features which includes not only all the works seen in the show, plus many more as well. Highest possible recommendation for gallery crawlers, groovy ghoulies and grown up monster kids alike.

John Mueller

john@comicimpact.com

www.gallerynucleus.com

www.creaturefeatures.com