Hello world!

Welcome to Wet Paint Syndrome. Originally released as a single issue PDF, WPS is now fully web-based with optional downloadable content. Wet Paint Syndrome is a non-profit cooperative of global artists. WPS was created to provide a creative marketing environment for all established AND emerging artists from all over the world.

We came about from the efforts of creative individuals with the desire to facilitate interaction between artists and viewers of art within the global community.

Wet Paint Syndrome was conceptualized and created by W. David Snizek and made possibly through a joint vision with mixed media multi-visual Houston-based artist Dune-Micheli Patten.

Wet Paint Syndrome: “The secret little things we do in life when we think others aren’t looking or when our curiosity is aroused by a sign that is posted telling us not to do something. Inspired by the corridor that you walk down for 20 years without touching the walls. Then one day you smell fresh paint and the corridor has been roped off with signs that say “Don’t Touch - Wet Paint.” An overwhelming urge comes over us to touch the wall.”

The Art of Kurt Cobain

Kurt Cobain was the front man and leader of Nirvana, the band that redefined music in the 1990s. His death is still shrouded in mystery. Some believe it was a simple suicide, while many theories out there claim he was murdered. I am not sure if we will ever know the truth. Aside from music, Kurt was an extremely talented artist. His drawings, paintings and sketches have started to gain popular demand in recent years. I have collected some of my favorites and you can view them below. I definitely miss Kurt Cobain being on the scene. I think if he were still around today, he would be doing great things.

[Primary Source Kurt Cobain's Art]

[tags]Kurt Cobain, art, Nirvana[/tags]

Artist of The Week: Patricia Chica

One of my favorite modern artists is Patricia Chica. The best place to catch her is on myspace. Her page is www.myspace.com/patriciachica. Patricia is a creative video director, digital photographer, all around visual artist and a great person to match. She describes her style as “glam, retro, vintage, pinup, burlesque, artistic, punk, rock, goth, erotica, hardcore, underground and definitely provocative!!!” Be sure to keep an eye out for her latest project “Rockabilly 514″

Since my directorial debut in 1990, my motivation has been to blur the line between fine art and commercial work. In the past decade I have been involved with Montreal’s underground music scene as well as working professionally on various artistic projects that combine technology, alternative fashion and design and that always with a touch of sensual provocation. Driven by originality; I always try to push forward the creative boundaries of storytelling by focusing on innovative techniques for narration and daring post-production effects. However, my visual style is more than just poetic, as it is often described as gritty within a humanistic setting.

More images follow the break!

Does This Image Offend You?

John Sims’ “The Proper Way to Hang a Confederate Flag,” created a frenzy of discussion back in March. At the time, I didn’t have a strong opinion one way or the other on the piece. I do believe that art should offend people from time to time. If a work of art sparks a discussion, then it was a success. Simply offending someone does not necessarily make something good art. At the same time, art that offends is not necessarily bad.

I do not think this particular piece will invoke the kind of rage we saw in 1989 with Dread Scott Tyler’s “What Is the Proper Way to Display a U.S. Flag?” Often, I feel as if people take quick offense to a piece they do not quite understand.

John Sims has to live with his decision to display work of this nature. He already lives with continual death threats from the Ku Klux Klan. If you offend those guys, you obviously did something right. I’d have to say that the primary purpose of art is to arouse emotions and social debate, which this piece had obviously accomplished.