One part sugar, one part spice, one part tattoo ink
- Photos:
-
She’s got pink hair, a face studded with metallic adornments and a chin tattoo that would make an Algonquin chief proud. But just one name: Misha.
The one-word wonder is a conspicuous presence in the L.A. art scene, having shown at high-profile, low-brow galleries like La Luz de Jesus, Project:, Thinkspace and the roving once-a-month-collective, Cannibal Flower. Balancing dual careers as a tattoo artist and painter, she’s been prepping for Gallery 1988’s “Crazy 4 Cult ” group show, which corrals L.A.’s best underground artists around the theme of cult movies. We forced her to sit still for a few minutes and chat.
How do you feel about the L.A. art scene?
I love it! I was really surprised that the art scene in L.A. was so warm and welcoming. When I first moved here, another artist told me about Cannibal Flower, so I submitted some work and they took me in. I owe a lot to Cannibal Flower for giving me the exposure that led to other shows in other galleries.
Any new inspirations lately?
Alice in Wonderland, Old 8 bit games, half-skull girls and classic horror monsters. My work has gone from looking like a tattoo, with thick outlines, to looking more like a painting. In the past my tattooing has inspired my paintings, but lately my paints have inspired my tattoos.
And you just landed a gig at the esteemed Zulu tattoo shop on Crescent Heights?
Yeah, I've always wanted to work in a shop like this. This is what I've been aiming for all along. I love the vibe.
What are you planning for the Cult Classics show at Gallery 1988?
"Our Lady of Transsexual" is a tribute to The Rocky Horror Picture Show done in the style of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Another is "Mooby's Last Supper" a take on Davinci's Last Supper, using characters from several Kevin Smith films. I love taking famous works of art and twisting them into different themes. They make me giggle.
See her works of twisted irreverence at Gallery 1988 ’s Crazy 4 Cult show, which opened July 17, and runs through August 10th. Other artists in the show include: Brandi Milne, Isaac Pierro, Joe Ledbetter, Jorge Gutierrez, Kurt Halsey, Lesley Reppeteaux, Luke Chueh, Matt Haber, Plasticgod, Shepard Fairey, Stella Im Hultberg, Rachel Wong and The Love Bandits.
Alie Ward is Events editor for Metromix Los Angeles.
