Parra hails from Holland, Amsterdam, The Red Light district. His work reflects his upbringing, his environment, the world he knows and loves, and now the world reciprocates his sentiment, his stage is international, and his influence has caused waves in the art market and beyond. A multi-faceted, multi-talented character, one has to say that this man’s life is as exciting as his art, simultaneously sticking two fingers up at the intelligentsia and the establishment, it’s difficult and to be truthful unnecessary to pigeon-hole the guy in any particular genre of the arts, he stands alone, triumphant in his embrace of a seedier side of life, pouring a personal sense of affection and jubilation for a community that for many would rather remain out of sight and out of mind.
Upskirt 6 £125 at Product of God
A naturally gifted typographer and graphic artist, Parra was raised in a cacophony of colour, his father being an artist, his earliest memories are most likely of the materials, products, endeavours, successes and frustrations that come with the pursuit of creating art. Without the need for formal training Parra has found his own true calling as a colourist and creative illustrator drawing on those same elements that would set him in good stead as a child, a sense of humour, a dazzlingly evocative love of the seedier side of life bathed in a nostalgic neon glow, harking back to a time that for many may seem an unsuitable environment for an upbringing. A combination of survival and a vibrant joie de vivre has resulted in a spectacular ouvre of works that are sure to stand the test of time.
Hidden Soundsystem £450 at Product of God
His work can be described as moderately explicit in nature (what else would one expect), his female figures are for the main part of Rubenesque proportions, his choice of colours are, as previously mentioned, mostly of a neon palette, reflecting his home turf in Amsterdam’s notrious Red Light District. Parra’s art is strangely familiar, somewhat reminiscent of late 60s British Pop Art, indeed I’d propose a strong parallel with much of the art featured by the Beatles in their animated exploits of the time, as well as Peter Blake and Peter Max. His message is one of pith, a gentle sarcasm and simple irreverence, enthusing life with a rebellious yet evocative nature, a ‘come one come all’ perspective on society and life in general. Taking pointers from an array of cultural signifiers, his background as a DJ having somewhat of a powerful influence, his love of Hip Hop, the skate scene of the 90s amongst others. This positive attitude translates through most of his collection, although in great demand from many famous brands and corporations such as Nike, Volkswagen, Footlocker, Zoo York, Ben & Jerrys, Colorblind and Footlocker, his main body of works have been posters, flyers and identities for his wide circle of friends and admirers. His underground portfolio includes work for labels such as Rush Hour and Stones Throw (2007) as well as his own highly respected Rockwell Clothing range which is is stocked in stores as far and wide as London, Tokyo, Berlin and New York.
Parra took London by storm in 2005 with his first solo gallery show, ‘Jobs I did for friends for under £100′ at London’s Kemistry Gallery which completely sold out in three days, followed in 2006 by a show at Paris’ Lazy Dog which again was a massive triumph in both sales and exposure. In 2007 he had shows in Miami, Los Angeles and New York’s Reed Space.
Parra’s take on the world is like refreshing fresh of breath air in the mainly stolid world of contemporary arts, his attitude and take on life spawn from a highly unique background brings in a plethora of fascinating references and a powerful style that cuts through the tedious boundaries of genre and technique. If you’d like to purchase one of his prints go to Product of God or keep up with all the latest from Parra check out his Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/parrafromrockwell
Why are Dutch artists always awesome?
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Gawd knows mate – probably a unique balance of herring and thc