Inspired by the majestic palm trees, reggae rhythms, and island motifs while visiting Jamaica, Rick Valicenti created as series of automatic Picasso-esque drawings that took the form of beauties and beasts. First exhibited in the Robert Jeffrey Salon on North Halsted, Valicenti styled the series of Beauties and Beasties according to the vision of the You Are Beautiful campaign to delight and intrigue.

The Beauties and Beasties series of masks speak in many voices: Picasso, Jamaican, comic and whimsy, and pure Valicenti. Each was rendered by hand and then digitally translated and often collaged with an iPhone image from a magazine found in the salon’s waiting area. The mashup celebrates unique identities and creates a cast of characters or avatars one might assume. The faces blend the lines of race, age, and even species, while maintaining a keen awareness of gender identity associations.  The resulting portrait masks illustrate sheer otherworldliness.

Beauties and Beasties will showcase two European-sized screen prints, a boxed set of the beauty and beast books, and a coloring book. All items will be available for purchase in limited quantities at prices that all collectors can afford. The boxed set will be published by 5x7, a project of the Post Family’s Alex Fuller. The first 72 coloring books will contain a hand-colored illustration by Valicenti and will also be available through 5x7.

6:00-9:00 pm
Thursday, December 6
One night only!

Post Family Studio
1821 W Hubbard St #202

Preview the whole collection online at bb.rickvalicenti.com.

Partner Organizations
Thirst
You Are Beautiful
The Post Family
5x7
Graphic Arts Studio