Shades of showbiz and Hollywood in his pop art
“It’s trippy, it’s unusual, it’s the story of my life basically – one minute it’s strange, next it’s normal so I thought I’d call it that,” says American artist, film producer, director and writer, Giovanni Sticco of his upcoming art exhibition ‘Life’s a Trip’. The exhibition at the Lionel Wendt on November 15 and 16 presents a striking collection of pop art and abstract, kaleidoscopic creations.
“I grew up in a show business family – so that naturally rubbed off on me,” says Giovanni and much of his work is instantly recognizable. Many familiar faces of the silver screen are often the subject of his pieces. Born and raised in the epicentre of the entertainment industry of Hollywood, California, the son of famous rock n’ roll singer, Johnny Stark, Giovanni became adept at creating these stylistic pieces of celebrities.
Giovanni Sticco
Browsing through his catalogue of work, viewers will find a marriage of varying artistic styles and recreations of iconic musicians such as John Lennon, Grace Jones, Elvis Presley and other well-known personalities like visual artist and film director, Andy Warhol, whose name became synonymous with American pop art.
His art has been appreciated by the likes of screen and stage veterans such as Sylvester Stallone, Sean Lennon, comedian Pauly Shore, Director Kevin Smith, Jonathan Leguizamo, Irene Tsu, Brian O’ Halloran, Marilyn Ghigliotti, Martin Kove and more.
He describes art and photography as his comfort zone and while his passion for art has always been embedded in his life from the very beginning, Giovanni says there was a period where his passion needed to be reignited. He credits his former teacher and fellow artist, Tommy Hawk Appleby for recognizing his talent and encouraging him to develop his style, a major turning point in realizing his artistic potential and overall artistic journey.
Giovanni also ventured into filmmaking alongside art, working on dramatic, science fiction, and horror projects. Among his credits are Cemetery of Lust (2012), Resurrection, and The Encounter (2011). Currently involved in four movie projects scheduled for filming in Sri Lanka, one is a documentary chronicling the life of his father titled ‘I am Johnny Stark’.
Giovanni’s artwork has been displayed in galleries in Las Vegas with ‘Life’s a Trip’ marking the first time his work will be exhibited here in Sri Lanka. The exhibition will comprise 34 paintings and prints, along with decorated pottery artwork, all of which will be sold or auctioned. To be displayed alongside the other exhibits will be his father’s jumpsuits which the singer donned during his performances in the past.
‘Life’s a Trip’ will be at the Lionel Wendt Gallery on November 15 from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and on November 16 from 12 noon to 7 p.m.
Follow Giovanni on instagram @giovanni_ hollywood2008 and on Facebook.
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