Frida in Orange - by Toon 92

Original Artwork by Jose De Avila - Mixed Media, Spray-paint on Canvas; 36" x 36"

About the Artist
Jose De Avila (“Toon 92”) is a Chicago artist that uses his graffiti roots and urban street
elements to create his pop-style paintings. Spray paint is his primary medium, however he also includes latex paint, graffiti drip markers, and molding paste to produce the textured and layered backdrops in his work. Love is the most common theme found across his paintings exemplified by the “love” street tags and “throw-ups,” but it is the darker, extreme sides of love that intrigue him:

“We’re all affected and shaped by it (love). Some have too much of it, some have too little, and that strongly influences our relationships for better or worse. It’s a powerful force. We all “love” something and if you’re not careful it can take over your life and begin to deteriorate your soul.” - Toon 92

This “deterioration of the soul” is often represented in his work as a rust motif. The stencil style portraits are of past and present personalities who at some point or throughout their lives struggled with this powerful force we call love. From afar we only see vibrant colors and smiles, but as you get closer you will notice the imperfections, the struggles, the things that make us human.

Follow his work on Instagram @toonster92