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Exhibition statement from the Curator: Running ‘Platinum Cheese’ has given me a platform to share some of the most innovative voices thriving within today's New Contemporary Art scene. This latest exhibition represents a culmination of my experiences in the art world, and expands upon the dialogue between artist and audience by providing an arena where fans and creatives alike engage under one roof. Each artist was chosen based on my admiration for his or her unique aesthetic as well as his or her ability to captivate the viewer time and time again. When these singular voices are put next to one another, the perspectives "blend"to create a sense of continuity from one work to the next. -Stephanie Chefas

I have always been drawn to a past era, imagery that reflects a simpler time. I grew up rummaging through my grandparents' garage in Houston looking for old oil cans, paint buckets, and catalogs. The artifacts I found there showed detail and style that has long been replaced by digital imitations. The flat logos on rusty cans and illustrations in men’s 1950's catalogs served as perfect test subjects for learning how to draw a simple image.

In many ways, I am still creating the same simple and effective images I made when I was a kid. Traditional folk art has been the primary focus for most of my adult life. The emphasis on a single bold line or minimal color pallet continues to serve as a constant challenge. When I strip a painting down to its bare bones it helps me think more intently about the impact of each line or stroke. I find satisfaction in creating simple and concise works that convey universal messages of loss, love and redemption.

A mixture of mediums and techniques are used to achieve my vision; most recently I've been focusing on gouache and pen illustrations on paper or wood. I am most comfortable with pen illustration. In recent years, this has primarily been reflected in my warpaint series, which consists of antique cabinet photos that I've drawn and painted over. To me, this series is a revitalization of the past and a celebration of timeless beauty. The images may vary but a core elemental style remains consistent. I will generally focus on a central figure that is often floating in a blank space or with a minimal background.

I am drawn to sacred art of all kinds, especially art that emphasizes a "savior." Finding my creative voice brought freedom and redemption from everything that ails me. When I am creating work, the outside world is on pause and I can completely let go of all the trials and tribulations of the day. I feel that this is represented in the iconic images I create and is my attempt at paying homage to something greater than myself.~ Adrian Landon Brooks