A Fresh Take on America’s Past: The Art of Brian Sullivan
EAST PEORIA — When someone thinks of America in its early days, what comes to mind? Probably something quite different than a conjuring of political argument or a fat guy eating dinnerin front of a television, watching The Voice. Mid-century, per-say, brings certain images tothought like war time propaganda, colorful Americana images and portraits of the time’s important people.
Illinois Central College East Peoria Campus is currently displaying the artwork of Brian Sullivan, an artist from Champaign- Urbana. His art brings the viewer back to the times mentioned, withpieces that he describes as “carrying a meaning of their own.”
Specifically, the collection is oil on canvas paintings of very recognizable Americana imagery and icon. He creates these in the vein of Andy Warhol and Leroy Neiman, using saturated, vibrant colors to create a 1950s “pop art” look. His work could even be mistaken for Warhol’s at firstglance, and maybe a second, if it weren’t for his distinguishing factor.
PHOTO COURTESY KARLEE WERNSMAN
What makes Sullivan’s work stand out is its collaborative approach. Instead of simply creating a Monroe portrait like many pop artists, (which, okay, he does: see “Marilyn”) he mixes certain images and individuals in the same work, often using symbolism in their associations.
For example, his portrait “Lucky Strike – Soldier” has a sinking soldier and the logo for Lucky Strike Cigarettes, playing on the brand’s name and associating the word “strike” with a soldier’s death.
Another piece on display uses the same technique with John F. Kennedy. With this method he intends to create “narrative works of art which provoke the viewer to question their beliefs and give them an opportunity to draw their own conclusions/ interpretations.”
A visual standout and the work provoking the most thought is “What, Me Worry?,” where a nearly demonic Mickey Mouse looks from a hypnotizing swirl to the quote itself (What, Me Worry?). This piece may suggest that television distracts society; it can be evil in that regard.
While this and all his pieces are at first colorful, playful or simple, a proper examination reveals their dark and complex nature.
PHOTO COURTESY KARLEE WERNSMAN
His ability to create such compelling art didn’t come from nothing. Sullivan is a very experienced artist, having earned his undergraduate degree in metal work and ceramics from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Illinois.
Between his degrees he had an apprenticeship in Tennessee, working with many forms of art. He has exhibited his work professionally for over thirty years. A few of his collections can be seen at Bradley University, beyond at Paris Art Museum in Paris, IL, and the Chicago School of Professional Psychology.
His art is even displayed abroad at the Putrajuya prime minister’s office in Malaysia.
If one doesn’t have time to travel to Malaysia, his collection can be seen in the 305A art gallery at Illinois Central College East Campus. Gallery hours are 9:00AM-8:00PM Monday through Thursday, and 8:00AM- $4:00PM on Friday.