The Neo-Socio Absurdist Series

THE NEO-SOCIO ABSURDIST SERIES Through the Neo-Socio Absurdist Series, Joe Waks seeks to expound on the central tenet of playwright Martin Esslin, whose writings focused on the meaninglessness and incongruity of life. The paintings "recontextualize" the icons and emblems common amongst disparate human civilizations by utilizing paint, text, advertising imagery and events plucked straight from the newspaper. Consumption and the ubiquity of consumer culture are at the heart of these works, but there is a pervasive ambivalence that lies within. Like the themes presented these paintings, the manner in which Waks produces them presents a paradox. The ideas behind the works are borne of the mundane detritus of workaday existence and at first glance look like they were printed using a mechanized process. Nevertheless, each work consists of thousands of tiny, painstakingly applied brushstrokes that reveal undulating nooks and crannies seemingly made not of fine oil color but of viscous black ooze; the kind of material shipped by barge to be dumped in some far away land, not one used to produce works of art.

Through the Neo-Socio Absurdist Series, Joe Waks seeks to expound on the central tenet of playwright Martin Esslin, whose writings focused on the meaninglessness and incongruity of life. The paintings “recontextualize” the icons and emblems common amongst disparate human civilizations by utilizing paint, text, advertising imagery and events plucked straight from the newspaper. Consumption and the ubiquity of consumer culture are at the heart of these works, but there is a pervasive ambivalence that lies within.

Like the themes presented these paintings, the manner in which Waks produces them presents a paradox. The ideas behind the works are borne of the mundane detritus of workaday existence and at first glance look like they were printed using a mechanized process. Nevertheless, each work consists of thousands of tiny, painstakingly applied brushstrokes that reveal undulating nooks and crannies seemingly made not of fine oil color but of viscous black ooze; the kind of material shipped by barge to be dumped in some far away land, not one used to produce works of art.

Union
© 2010
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

This Grandma Drops Acid
© 2010
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Yankee Athletic Cup Day
© 2012
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

You'all Come Back
© 2010
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Fight Terrorism, Go Shopping
© 2012
18” x 18”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Your Tri-Cities News Leader
© 2011
36” x 36”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Seasoned Waffle Fries (Just Like Mom Made 'Em!)
© 2012
18” x 18”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

This Indian is Smoking Cigarettes
2014
© 18” x 18”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

I Sell Used Cars to Yous People
© 2011
36” x 36”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Bienvenue
© 2012
18” x 18”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

There’s No “P” in Our “Ool”
© 2011
36” x 36”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Always Be Charging
© 2104
18" x 24"
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Girls From Bayonne, Leave 'Em Alone
© 2010
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

. . . held without bond
© 2013
32" x 24"
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Champagne for My Real Friends, Real Pain for My Sham Friends
© 2010
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Stand Your Ground
© 2104
18" x 24"
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

It's Fun. . .
© 2104
18" x 24"
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Miracle Starts Monday
© 2013
32" x 24"
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Terrific!
© 2013
24" x 32"
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

No Trans Fats!
© 2010
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Eat Shit, America!
© 2011
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Motherfucker Done Did It!!!
© 2010
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Grimace - International Symbol of Justice and Peace (Ode to Pete Twomey)
© 2012
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

Gay Orgy

More Sweat in Training, Less Blood in Combat
© 2010
24” x 24”
Oil and mixed media on canvas/Huile sur toile avec technique mixte

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