Artists and Aliens... Oh MY!

Our Valentine's Day evening was spent at the Oceanside Museum of Art for Art Stop #2.


How could we resist this invitation? "Join us to raise a toast and meet the artist on February 14 for a truly out-of-this-world experience at the celebration of a stunning, newly-completed painting by renowned artist Robert Xavier Burden. This giant masterpiece, featuring hundreds of aliens from pop culture through the decades, will transport you to a cosmic realm like never before. Celebrate Valentine's Day with a unique date-night alternative, as the artist himself will be on hand for an exclusive meet-and-greet. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of art, culture, and intergalactic intrigue!"




Burden's Artist Statement reads, “In 2006 I began a series of large-scale oil paintings depicting the small action figures that I played with as a boy. Initially these figures were set against fabric, wallpaper, and rug patterns from my childhood home. Over the years the decorative motifs have become more complex and derived from historical references, often incorporating toys from various generations, but the motivation behind the work remains the same. I am inspired by the amorphous line that is drawn between imagination and reality, childhood wonder and adult practicality, and the ineffability of what can turn a piece of plastic into an almost talismanic object. There is an obvious irony in spending thousands of hours to create a single painting that glorifies a cheap, mass-produced toy. And while that irony could reflect issues of commodity fetishism, consumer addiction, Peter Pan Syndrome or even shallow idolatry, I want these paintings to represent something positive in my life. Although it was sheltered and naive, there was a freedom in my childhood. It was free from the politics of race and sex and religion. It was free from the weight of history, and the worry of the future. It was free from rhetoric and paranoia, shame and regret, cynicism and despair. There is nothing profound about commenting on the minor tragedy of losing one's innocence, or the struggle to maintain one's idealism. I just want to renew my faded sense of awe." I love, love, love that!


This was a rare opportunity for us to view two of his monumental paintings, for a final time, before they move into private collections. We were fortunate to see Mr. Burden’s 2023 solo exhibition which featured many amazing paintings along with his massive work-in-progress, The Alien Painting. It was pretty incredible to watch him working live in the gallery throughout the exhibition. It was extra special to see it finished and to be able to converse with the artist! We had so many questions.
The 80" x 80" Lagomorph Painting was intriguing because it had so many cultural references that I hadn't thought of in ages. This painting depicts nearly 100 different toys based on lagomorphs (rabbits, hares, pikas). The figures surround a white rabbit that the artist photographed at a petting zoo in Oakland. It was started in 2020 and completed in 2023.” Both of these works demand hours of contemplation and discovery. What fun!



I fully appreciate Robert Xavier Burden's Delusions of Grandeur Artist Statement, "To live as a derided pariah, but for the chance to create some of the most ambitious single-handed paintings of the 21st century, and the privilege to make all of my dream paintings before I'm gone."

It was a day of art, of discovering unique talent, of doing what we love- together. I would say that we had a very happy Valentine's Day.

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