"Rear Naked Choke" Patrick Francisco's solo show at Dragatomi 11/14/09

Dragatomi is pleased to present “Rear Naked Choke,” a solo exhibition of new works by Patrick Francisco, a New York artist known as much for his promotional antics as for his painterly approach to canvas and vinyl toys.

Like the jiu jitsu maneuver, “Rear Naked Choke” is a roguish attack on the senses. Francisco shows the moody simian characters he’s become known for, but adds new explorations that are stylistically rooted in the former. Predominantly muted color schemes give way to a bolder alter ego that at once reveals the odd—even whimsical—dimensions of the sinister. He has created, according to illustrator Jarrod Gecek, “an amazing little world of chimps with a disdain for public decency.”

“Rear Naked Choke” features paintings, drawings, resin sculptures, and customized toys. Though spanning themes through different media, all pieces are bound together by the same intense grittiness of a tightly applied rear naked choke. Dragatomi will have a 2nd Saturday Opening and anticipate a great turnout. The show will run from Nov. 14th until Dec. 5th. Opening reception will be on November 14th at 7 p.m. Patrick will also be in attendance for the opening.

ABOUT PATRICK FRANCISCO
Patrick Francisco is known for bold brush work and innovative methods of promoting his art to the public. He has staged scavenger hunts of his custom painted toys in New York City and, with the help of blogger SpankyStokes, in San Diego. Francisco has shown at a number of galleries, including C. Emerson Fine Arts (St. Petersburg, Florida), Agni Gallery (New York City), and 1:AM Gallery (San Francisco). Francisco received his BFA from SUNY FIT in New York City, and can be often found drawing in Spring Studio SoHo.