Impressionist Superheros? A Perfect Match!

Saturday Morning In Front of La Salle De Justice, Rey Taira, 2009

I first saw this piece of art, Saturday Morning In Front of La Salle De Justice when a darling friend and I might add, newly published author (Geoducks are for Lovers) posted it on her Facebook page. I immediately went to google to learn a bit more about the artist and his work. I've loved A Sunday on the Island of La Grande by Georges Seurat from the first time I saw it. Though I'd like to say that was in person or through an art class but alas the first time I saw it was while watching Ferris Bueller's Day Off. What? There's no judging here people. And incase it isn't obvious, Seurat's painting can actually be found at the Art Institute of Chicago, naturally.

So, to find a piece of art that combines super heros and Impressionism? Obviously its a perfect match for my family. 

The artist, Rey Taira has an interesting story, though to be honest I found very little about him online other than one profile page written by himself. It was a lay-off from a job he didn't particularly feel passionately about that prompted him to dive into his hobbies and art full time. A childhood comic book fan eventually found himself working at DC Entertainment designing collectible action figures, props and statues, all having to do with the world of comic book characters. Not exactly my dream but its pretty amazing that a lay-off would push him down the path of his dreams. In his profile he quotes Louis Pasteur, "chance favors the prepared mind." I couldn't agree more with that sentiment. 

Sunday Evening by The Legion of Doom, Rey Taira, 2009

He also created a companion piece that is the diametric opposite, Sunday Evening By The Legion of Doom. In his notes on the piece he exhibits a great sense of humor about the pieces. In this case the original was a nod to the happiness of Saturday morning cartoons so he created this companion piece with the idea of Sunday evening dread of the Monday to come. 

And I would be remiss not to include the original inspiration for both of these pieces of art. So please enjoy comparing all three. I so want to have copies of these two Taira pieces for the boys' room or perhaps the kids playroom is the best spot. Unfortunately, I've yet to find anyone who sells them. Don't worry, I'm still searching!

A Sunday on La Grande Jatte, Georges Seurat, 1884
The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago, IL

Cheers, 
Ouiser