The Art of Valerio Ventura

ARTE URBIS

2012-01-11T18:31:00.001-08:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More art

SOUTH PASADENA ART WALK

2010-10-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

VALERIO VENTURA'S FEATURED AT THE SOUTH PASADENA ART WALK AND THE SPArC TEMPORARY / CONTEMPORARY GALLERY AT THE NEW STATION LOFTS.

October 23rd, 2010 at 909 El Centro, South Pasadena CA 91030. All Day.

Artists of all ages can explore their creative side with the return of "Giant Easels," the popular, interactive "Art Experience" hosted by the South Pasadena Arts Council (SPArC) in conjunction with South Pasadena ArtWalk 2010, October 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. Designed by artist Marie Miller and featuring 15- foot -tall easels and 4x5- foot canvases covered by transparent Visqueen sheeting, SPArC's large-scale, outdoor visual arts project was a hit attraction when it debuted at the 2nd annual South Pasadena Eclectic Music Festival and Art Walk in May.

Anchored by "Giant Easels" and live music presented by the South Pasadena Music Center and Conservatory, ArtWalk 2010 will celebrate the arts with open-house gallery exhibits along Mission Street in South Pasadena.

Featuring: California Art Club's special "Plein Air Paint-out Exhibition." Hosted by the South Pasadena Chamber of Commerce and area businesses. ArtWalk2010 will also feature a wine and beer garden, food trucks, restaurants and boutique "trunk sales." Shops and restaurants will participate in an "Open House Block Party" from Gold Line Mission Station to Fair Oaks Avenue.

In the evening, don't miss the SPArC Art Attack at 1011 Fair Oaks Ave., a few doors up from the historic Rialto Theatre.

And don't forget to visit the SPArC Temporary / Contemporary Gallery of 909 El Centro St. to see the spectacular talent of our local artists and enjoy some light refreshments.

METROPOLINO

2010-09-30T23:23:00.000-07:00

Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

LA 5CENTO!

2010-09-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

THE ORIGINAL FIAT 500 FEATURED IN VALERIO VENTURA’S METROPOLINO PAINTINGS SINCE 2003.

I used to have a dark blue Fiat 500 when I was in Italy back in 1987, and I love that car, so in 2003 I decided to put it in my work. Other cars in my work are; the Bianchina, Fiat Multipla and more Fiats!

Are you in Southern California and looking for something to do this weekend? Fiat will be at the 2010 Feast of San Gennaro in Los Angeles celebrating Italian lifestyle and culture. Fiat is one of the sponsors of the event, where last year over $200,000 was raised for the San Gennaro Foundation. Their booth looks AMAZING, one of the most stylish and ingenious little architectural piece I've seen in a long time. A self contained dealership and espresso bar all in one! The baristas are wonderful and you can sit there all day long if you like... and did I say the espressos and lattes are... FREE!

These people are a class act all the way.

The 500 special edition Prima Edizione models have all been reserved and there are still over 1,000 people on the waiting list. Head over to the Chrysler blog to find out more about the exciting times ahead for Fiat fans in the U.S!

Visit the link below for more information.

READ MORE

VENTURAEXIT PURSES & BOXES

2010-07-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

VALERIO VENTURA TEAMS UP WITH MELISSA MAY TO MAKE BOXES AND PURSES OUT OF RECYCLED CIGAR BOXES.

Melissa May
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.

All the boxes and purses are hand signed by Valerio. Here are some details and sample of the purses or boxes we've sold in the past.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.
VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.

All rights reserved. ©2009 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

COACHELLA 2010

2010-07-25T17:10:00.000-07:00

I just completed this for the TRASHed campaign and it will be displayed at Coachella 2010. So if you go to the festival, take a picture of you next to the bin and send it to me, I'll put it on this blog.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.

BACK TO: VENTURA EXIT

EPICYCLOIDAL: Friday May 7th at Gallery Godo

2010-03-18T21:26:00.000-07:00

EPICYCLOIDAL: featuring the works of VALERIO VENTURA
A ONE-MAN SHOW EVENT at GALLERY GODO Glendale, CA USA
RECEPTION FRIDAY MAY 7 2010 7pm - Midnight

WHERE: GALLERY GODO
6749 San Fernando Rd. #C
Glendale, CA 91201
Parking available on San Fernando Road after 6pm
WHEN: FRIDAY, May 7th 2010 7pm-Midnight

Complimentary cocktails, ...refreshments and hour d'oeuvres.
LIVE MUSIC & FASHION SHOW!
For info call Gallery Godo at 818 641 4369

OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT: WWW.GALLERYGODO.NET

OBAMA 2009 inauguration speech

2009-12-18T08:23:00.000-08:00

This LIMITED EDITION Obama print, "Colours" is still available. Five pieces only of this are made and two went to Sooyeon Lee who gave it to a special person in New York and the second one (a triptic) went to a friend of our president in Chicago.

This image is printed with archival Epson Ink on individual pieces of Art Paper. All pieces individually signed. ONLY 3 MORE AVAILABLE FOR SALE.
12" x 16.5" $1,000.00 (framing of your choice included) Free Shipping.

This original art piece on wood, taken from the same photo I took of the president from the television set the night of the inauguration speech is titled "Horizon" and ONE ONLY is available.
Ink on Wood 12" x 16.5" $1,250.00 (framing of your choice included) Free Shipping.

To purchase this, send a paypal payment to: paypal@venturaexitart.com and specify what is it for. The piece will be delivered framed (floated) and the cost for framing it is already included in the purchase price. I will contact you immediately to send you visual samples of the frames available or to discuss it in person if preferable.

All rights reserved. ©2009 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

ALTERED SCAPES - PREORDER THE BOOK NOW!

2009-11-13T07:55:00.001-08:00

MY WORK AS A VISUAL DEVELOPMENT ARTIST AND ART DIRECTOR SPANNING A TWENTY-FIVE YEARS CAREER IN THE ANIMATION FIELD. This is the first volume of 3.

Size: 10x13 full color 92 pages PRICE: $50.00 + Tax / Shipping & Handling

CHOOSE YOUR SHIPPING OPTION!!!!!!!!! IF OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES

Michael Jackson

2009-08-11T18:11:00.000-07:00

In 1993 i was working with my partner on ”The Pagemaster” and one day studio head David Kirschner was giving a tour to Michael Jackson (we were also involved in a project with him) and i had the opportunity to shake hands and talk for a bit with the king of pop.

The first drawing (below) titled "MJ" i did the day after I met him. This original is not available. $800.00 SOLD
Pencil on Paper 11"x14" AVAILABLE AS GLICHE´ $250.00 or FRAMED $400.00

The second drawing (above) i did few months later.

This original art piece on paper over a wood "canvas" titled "Michael Jackson" is available.
Pencil on Paper 11"x14" whole wood canvas (20"x30") $1,950.00 (framing of your choice included) Free Shipping.

To purchase this, send a paypal payment to: paypal@venturaexitart.com and specify what is it for. The piece will be delivered framed (floated) and the cost for framing it is already included in the purchase price. I will contact you immediately to send you visual samples of the frames available or to discuss it in person if preferable.

This image above, IS ALSO AVAILABLE AS GLICHE´ $250.00 or FRAMED $400.00
11"x14"

VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.

All rights reserved. All images ©1993 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

ALICE IS DEAD

2009-08-03T09:01:00.000-07:00

rusted horses
eating pigs
spikes in the earth
nails on poles

thorns on steel wire
holes in milk cartons

children’s eyes
on forgotten faces
cries of help
behind tomato cages

have you seen them?

Pilot Razor Pen, Ink Quill Pen, Spit, Coca-Cola, tape on Watercolor Paper
11x17

VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.

All rights reserved. ©2009 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

COACHELLA 2009

2009-03-24T17:29:00.005-07:00

I just completed this for the TRASHed campaign and it will be displayed at Coachella 2009. So if you go to the festival, take a picture of you next to the bin and send it to me, I'll put it on this blog.

VISIT THE OFFICIAL VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE GALLERY for more info.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page.

The TRASHed campaign is a year long trash education program developed by Fashion Peace that redefines the way people and businesses view recycling and trash collection. TRASHed develops programs that fit seamlessly within the surrounding environment and provide creative options in the way people approach waste management. Look for ways to get TRASHed in your neighborhood.

http://www.fashionpeace.com/

The VERSUS Series!

2009-03-24T17:29:00.003-07:00

This series is all done with enamel and oil paint pens, all these are done in a freeflowing style without sketching or preparation of any kind. I just sare at a piece of paper and GO! In this case most paper used is water-color paper.

35. 'freak vs zonk' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

34. 'normal vs different' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

33. 'world vs war' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

32. 'punch vs kiss' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

31. 'meds vs drugs' oil and enamel on masonite 11x17.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

39. 'stop vs go' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

38. 'yes vs no' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

37. 'numb vs feel' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

36. 'sad vs happy' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

All images. All rights reserved. ©2008 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

"BUY THIS TRASH" FEB 25 - APRIL 25 2009

2009-02-04T12:33:00.001-08:00

A SOLO EXHIBIT BY VALERIO VENTURA - Wed. FEB 25 2009
in the lobby at Cartoon Network Studios.

The Rialto, South Pasadena, California 23x33 (framed) $1,200.

501 Auburn, Atlanta, Georgia 16x20 (framed) $300. SOLD

Papoos, Toluca Lake, California 14x17 (framed) $300. SOLD

Big John, City of Commerce, California 14x17 (framed) $300. SOLD

Windward Street, Venice, California 21x20 (on 3/4"plywood) $450.

Marengo, Pasadena, California 21x20 (on 3/4"plywood) $450.

Hanna-Barbera 1983 - 3400 Cahuenga Hollywood, California 20x28 (framed) $500.

Hanna-Barbera 1983 - 3400 Cahuenga Hollywood, California 20x28 (framed) $500.

Cartoon Network Studios 2009 - 3rd Street, Burbank, California 20x28 (framed) $500.

San Juan, Puerto Rico 9x14 $175.

Sam's Corner, Atlanta, Georgia 20x20 (framed) $300.

Bianchina 9x11 $150.

Cinquecento 9x11 $150. SOLD

Tre Ruote 7x8 $150.

Yellow Board 11x48 $200. SOLD

Tram 11x24 $150. SOLD

Divide Unite 22x22 (framed) $350.

A SOLO EXHIBIT BY VALERIO VENTURA - Wed. FEB 25 2009
in the lobby at Cartoon Network Studios.
Reception starts at 5:00pm - 7:00pm sharp!

Where: Cartoon Network Studios
300 North Third Street,
Burbank, CA 91502
(818) 729-4000
Records will be spinning, refreshment and food will be served.

PARKING IN THE STREET OR POLICE LOT ON PALMS IS FREE.

CLICK THE IMAGES TO ENLARGE.

VALERIO VENTURA, TO EXHIBIT RECENT PAINTINGS AT CARTOON NETWORK STUDIOS, FEBRUARY 25 2009.   

Valerio Ventura will introduce his most recent works, exploring architecture and design in Los Angeles and other locations around the world, a pen-and-ink potpourri, using a quill.

With “Buy this Trash” the artist, employing his customary recycling, uses discarded and found materials for his canvases and framing.

Ventura is inspired by a friend’s story of an artist in Kenya who did entire paintings with a three-inch nail; the Kenyan artist was too poor to buy a brush so he did amazing work by dipping the nail into his paint. “I guess I’m lucky I get to use a glass quill made by a Venetian glassblower,” says Ventura.

Born in Rome, Ventura is filmmaker, artist, painter and art director of the critically acclaimed animated television series Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child, for HBO, and art director of the TV series Class Of 3000 for Cartoon Network.

His art has been featured in major animated feature films such as Hercules, Mulan, The Pagemaster, and Emperor’s New Groove. His strong visual images have been on display in the Frank Wells building at the Walt Disney Studios and galleries here in the USA and in Italy.  
In 1997 CalArts had a retrospective of his work, and the San Bernardino County Museum included his work in a group show.

Ventura is currently preparing for his largest show ever at the Disney Consumer product building in Glendale, CA in spring 2009.

Contact: valerioventura@hotmail.com

my Blog

my Website

All rights reserved. "Buy this Trash" ©2009 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

CODE 4

2009-02-04T12:22:00.000-08:00

CODE 4: a new concept by Valerio Ventura

available as a print 36"x79" $450.00

All rights reserved. ©2009 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

OBAMA

2008-11-14T09:58:00.000-08:00

tuesday november fourth twothousandeight

THESE ARE A NEW SERIES OF DIGITAL PAINTINGS I DID OF PRESIDENT ELECT OBAMA

the image above is the american flag waiving in grant park in chicago. the words are from a portion of the speech that president elect barack obama delivered that historic night.

the image above is president elect barack obama delivering the speech. the words are the speech in it's entirety.

the image above is president elect barack obama delivering the speech. the words are a portion of the speech.

the image above is president elect barack obama delivering the speech. the words are a portion of the speech.

looking from behind the stage towards the crowd in grant park, the image above is president elect barack obama raising his hand waiving to the people, his shadow cast in the spotlight that illuminated the stage.

I did these watching tv the night that Obama was declared the winner.

All images. All rights reserved. ©2008 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

THE ART OF V2 MAY 31- OCT 3 2008

2008-02-23T22:26:00.008-08:00

AS OF DECEMBER 2009 THIS SERIES IS PART OF A SHOW CALLED "MICKEYANIC" AND CURRENTLY EXHIBITING AT DISNEY'S HAMMERSMITH OFFICE IN LONDON, UK. To purchase any of the work please visit www.venturaexitart.com

6. 'or not to be' [on wood canvas] enamel / acrylic on wood 48x48.

CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

7. 'get your fix' [on wood canvas] enamel / acrylic on wood 48x48.

GET YOUR FIX PILL BOY by valerio ventura

you came into my heart
spread green wings
and said you make it real

you gave me 7 nights for free
i popped you before bed
i'm spinning dizzy

you're my hipnotic agent
i think i'm falling
this is happening so fast

you opened up the sky
this is better than my addiction
you are my butterfly
my severe reaction

your taste is unpleasant
it gives me a headache
I love you my green friend
you make me feel better

let's stay together
we'll leave our troubles behind
i love you green butterfly
you blow my mind.

All writing. All rights reserved. ©2008 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

3. 'it’s all good' [framed] enamel / acrylic on wood 48x48.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

4. 'village ghetto land' [framed] enamel / acrylic on wood 48x48.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

5. 'freak-a-zoid' [on wood canvas] enamel / acrylic on wood 48x48.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

'the eye' [on wood canvas] pen, black ink, acrylics on wood 24x24. SOLD
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

All images. All rights reserved. Urbis ©2002 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

OIL & ENAMEL ON PAPER

26. 'let me help u' oil and enamel on paper 11x20.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

21. 'don’t' oil and enamel on paper 11x14. SOLD
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

22. 'freak-a-zoid #2' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

23. 'imbecille' oil and enamel on paper 11x17. SOLD
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

24. 'thumbs up' oil and enamel on paper 11x14. SOLD
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

19. 'zoix! #8' oil and enamel on paper 11x14. SOLD
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

30. 'i love slogans' oil and enamel on paper 18x20.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

29. 'more money' oil and enamel on paper 12x20.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

28. 'war is caal!' oil and enamel on paper 11x17.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

27. 'give me' oil and enamel on paper 11x14. SOLD
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

20. 'i need a pill' oil and enamel on paper 11x14.
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

40. 'apathy' oil and enamel on paper 18x20. SOLD
CLICK on the STORE link at the top of this page to visit VALERIO VENTURA'S WEB SITE STORE & GALLERY. www.venturaexitart.com

THE ART OF VALERIO VENTURA - MAY 31 2008
original art, prints, fashion, and films.
Where: Wax Poetic Gallery
3200 West Magnolia Blvd
Burbank CA 91505
818..843.9469
Records will be spinning, refreshment will be served

All images. All rights reserved. ©2008 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

URBIS

2008-02-23T22:26:00.007-08:00

"Funky City" 16x20, 24x30, 30x40

Art Type Open Edition Giclee or Canvas Wrap
Media Digital / Hand Signed

This piece is available in different sizes, visit MY STORE link for more details.

All rights reserved. ©2004 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

This piece is available in different sizes, visit MY STORE link for more details.

"The Lookout" 16x20, 24x30, 30x40
Art Type Open Edition Print or Canvas Wrap
Media Digital / Hand Signed

All rights reserved. ©2004 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

"No Bills" 24x30

"High Fifteen" 24x24

"Saw Kill" 24x30

"Spy" 24x24

"Circle" 24x24

"Sixty-Eight" 24x30

All the above are available on stretched canvas.
Wrapped around 1" 3/4 Douglas Fir Natural wood stretch bars.
Limited Edition of 100 hand signed
Printed with HP Latest technology Z3100 printer.
UV 200 years archival inks, 11 colors process on fine art archival canvas.

All rights reserved. Urbis ©2002 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

But what are these symbols? I spent five years going all over the country and some parts of Europe to photograph over five-thousand of these symbols and recorded the making of this project. Welcome to Urbis, what I call "Urban Archeology", a different way to look at our pavement.
The article below was published by wired magazine a couple of years after I had built a clothing line around these acronyms. The line is called EXIT, and you can find that on my clothing line web site. (exitbrand.us)

Urban Markup Language:

The next time you pound the pavement, keep your eyes
on the ground. You'll notice the curious spray-painted
markings, leaping lines, arrows, crosses, swooshes,
and strange acronyms that make up a form of street
graffiti that's actually on the street. What do these
weird tags mean? The runes augur the arrival of
jackhammers and backhoes. A few days before any
urban dig starts, an excavator marks up the designated
area, usually in white, and alerts the local underground
notification service center. The center puts out a call to
the telcos, electric companies, water-works and cable
outfits that subscribe to the service. The firms responds
by dispatching workers with spray cans to map buried
infrastructure. If you know the lingo, you can visualize
the dense architecture that sprawls beneath our streets.

The paint colors are fairly standard;
Red denotes power lines; yellow flags oil and gas; blue
is for fresh water; green indicates sewage; purple
highlights reclaimed H2O;
and orange tags communications or cable TV lines.

Some acronyms, like MCI or SBC, are obvious; others
aren't. IP, for example, means "iron pipe," and USA
stands for "underground service alert" the
aforementioned area slated for excavation).

by Erik Davis for WIRED Magazine, September 2004

Black Ink Pen. Color Inks, Acrylics on Copy paper
Photoshop: Compositing.
11x17, 22x34
All rights reserved. Urbis ©2002 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

ART MITZVAH 2007

2008-02-23T22:25:00.005-08:00

LITTLE BILLY FOUND HIS POISON

2008-02-23T22:25:00.003-08:00

I used this painting to create a CD cover (below) for the band Billy Boy On Poison. I wrote the poem on the painting as a warning. If you see a green butterfly, please don't make it your friend. Eventually the fairy dust will kill you in so many different ways you won't even know you're dead.

this is on the painting:

"LITTLE BILLY FOUND HIS POISON" by Valerio Ventura
you came into my heart
spread green wings
and said you make it real
you gave me seven nights for free
i popped you before bed
i'm spinning dizzy
you are my hipnotic agent
i think i'm falling
this is happening so fast
you opened up the sky
this is better than my addiction
you are my butterfly
my severe reaction
your taste is unpleasant
it gives me a headache
i love you my green friend
you make me feel better
lets stay together
we'll leave our worries behind
i love you green butterfly
you blow my mind

Acrylic, Quill Pen, Black Ink on Strathmore Board and Wood
18x30
Price $2,600.00 SOLD

Promo CD Cover

Quill Pen, Black Ink on Strathmore Board
Photoshop: Red Color Superimposed
5x5
All rights reserved. Urbis ©2007 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

UN-ANIMATED!

2008-02-23T22:25:00.001-08:00

NCOMPASS

2008-02-23T22:24:00.007-08:00

Group Show - NCompass 1/14/06 West Hollywood, California

"Village Ghetto" 12x20 Pen, Black Ink, Acrylics on Cardboard Box SOLD

"I'm Stuffed" 8x10 Pen, Black Ink, Acrylics on Cardboard Box SOLD

"Post It 1&2" 5x10 Pen, Black Ink, Acrylics on Cardboard Box

This was a great event, I was showing together with my friend and amazing artist Glenn Fox, and to top it all, Vinx, one of my favorite artists was performing.

ZOIX!

2008-02-23T22:23:00.003-08:00

One Man Show - 12/12/06 Burbank California
"Give Peace" Series

Quill Pen, Black Ink 9x9 $300.00 each ALL SOLD
All rights reserved. Zoix! ©2006 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

This is a new series I did specifically for this show. Actor, Comedian Katt Williams purchased many of my pieces that evening including this series. Thanks Katt! Also thanks to those who bought the rest of the paintings but want to remain anonymous.

F.A.M.e.

2008-02-23T22:22:00.003-08:00

Group Show - 10/22/05 The Mayer Building, Hollywood California

"USA Precision" 20x30 Acrylics On Wood $1,800.

"Hole" 30x20 Acrylics On Wood $1,200.

"Urban Tag 1" 20x30 Acrylics On Wood $1,400. SOLD

"High" 20x30 Acrylics On Wood $1,800.

"Give More" 38x60 Acrylics On Wood $4,800.

"LA Fashion District" 38x60 Acrylics On Wood $4,800. SOLD

"F.A.M.e." The Louis B. Mayer Building Group Show - Hollywood CA
All rights reserved. ©2004 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

FLAWED at BENT GALLERY

2008-02-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

One Man Show - 2/27/05 South Pasadena, California

Show Invite

"Anatomy of Mickey" 32x50 Pen, Black Ink, Acrylics on Wood SOLD

"Zoix #1" 5x5 Acid Free Ink Pen, Prismacolor Pencils, White Glue on Cardboard Box $100. SOLD

"Zoix#2" 7x7 Pen, Black Ink, Acrylics on Wood SOLD

"I'm Anxious" 16x20 Quill Pen, Black Ink, Acrylics on Corrugated Board SOLD

"I Own XYZ" 11x17 #2 Pencil, White Glue on Manila Folder mounted on a Cardboard Box SOLD

"TV Tube" 6x6x24 Quill Pen, Black Ink, Acrylic Paint, White Glue over a Fed-Ex triangular tube. This particular piece was donated in 2006 to contribute in a fundraiser for Fyn, a child stricken by leukemia, we raised about 20k for his family that night and Fyn is doing very well today.

these are few of the pieces that I had at this show, all together I had 63 pieces.

"Flawed" One Man Show at BENT South Pasadena CA
All rights reserved. ©2003 Valerio Ventura
Unauthorized duplication is a violation of applicable laws.

The idea for this exhibit was to create work that unless dictated by some interior decoration rule could be hanged in its raw state, using recycled and mundane material, but still retaining a certain look-and-feel that allows a particular piece to own that slice of “real estate” it’s hanging on.

-framing
all the framing and canvases are made by the artist and not intended just as a “framing”, but as an extension of the work.

-material
corrugated board, shipping tubes, manila folders, wood, foam core, wood, insulation foam, styrofoam, etc... –hence; a constant remainder of our ever moving world… packing… shipping …opening …receiving …closing …arriving …departing …recycling.

-art
the black line is ink or enamel paint, and the gray tones are the same ink smudged or applied with a rag, in some cases a color pencil is used to apply those few splashes of color that that guide the eye. other colors are gouache, and inks which are at times rubbed off with alcohol to give the background that particular texture.

most of these pieces have writing on them - the writing is transcribed verbatim from passages from; books, songs, manuals, or advertisements. i.e. pieces 57 and 58 contain selected paragraphs from a on-line advertisement of a Punch Clock that promises employers to “reduce tardiness” within their work force.

-finally
all pieces are protected by a glaze or fixative which makes the piece somewhat durable so that it can be dusted without the worry of damaging it - the buyer also has the option to incase the piece in two inch-thick UV coated bullet-proof glass. WTF.