Pop goes the realism in Santa Monica

Dave Lefner "TV Numbs"

Yet another intriguing spin on post-modernism, the Pop Realism movement draws on an unsettling but fascinating mix of photographic literalism and jarring surrealistic elements. Playful, if not necessarily lighthearted, today’s Pop Realists range from the austere yet vibrant mid-century architectural landscapes of Tom McKinley and the goofy gals-at-work whimsy of Kelly Reemtsen to the sly social commentary of Dave Lefner and the darker, stranger tones of  Hooper Turner.

This weekend, Skidmore Contemporary Art gallery at Santa Monica’s Bergamot Station Art Center opens a new month-long exhibit showcasing these new artists and other leading lights of the Pop Realist movement. Skidmore is located in the Bergamot complex at 2525 Michigan Avenue, B5; gallery hours are Tue-Sat 11a-5p, and there’s ample free parking. Here’s the info to plan your visit.

Posted 4/21/11