{open} presents
• • •
Transitions
an exhibition of paintings by Robert Pokorny
September 27 through November 9
• • •
opening reception
Saturday, September 27, 6 to 9 p.m.
dj • refreshments • free
performance by Eros Sinclair & the Persistent Resistance

Robert Pokorny is a secret Long Beach legend: Though some may not know his name, most are familiar with his work. …

As the primary illustrator of the instore show posters for beloved Long Beach music store Fingerprints, Robert Pokorny’s conceptualized visions of independent music icons—running the gamut from Sonic Youth to Jack Johnson—have been collected by music lovers for more than a decade.

Pokorny’s work in the music industry has included everything from gig posters and cd covers to big name clients like Capitol Records and EMI, but his portfolio extends far beyond the realm of rock and roll. Pokorny’s paintings and illustrations have been featured in contemporary galleries from LA to Las Vegas and earned him recognition from groups like the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, who recently included two of his pieces in their limited edition Illustration West 45 book showcasing the best of contemporary illustration from throughout the U.S.

Pokorny’s latest series, Transitions, reflects on the constant state of movement that links individual moments in time, each piece capturing its subject in the midst of that transitional state. Drawing inspiration from a variety of unexpected sources, including the covers of old jazz albums, Pokorny blends the figure abstractions of modern and post-modern art with his keen eye for contemporary culture.

Pokorny also has a keen eye for color, which is readily apparent throughout Transitions, emphasized by his choice to paint with Cel-Vinyl, a vinyl-acrylic copolymer normally used for animation. The result is a strikingly bold palette with a clean, crisp line that is the perfect complement to the compelling characters Pokorny has created.

Transitions is Pokorny’s first exhibition at {open}, though his work is a favorite of {open} co-owners Sé Reed and Shea Gauer. Reed met Pokorny in 2006 when interviewing him for a local publication, but she had already been introduced to his work by Gauer, who papered the bookstore’s backroom with a collection of Fingerprint’s posters, most of which were Pokorny’s.

“We’re delighted to feature Robert’s work,” said Reed. “Both Shea and I have long admired his style, but it was worth the wait. We’re both still stunned by the beauty of this latest series.”