Jon Langford is not only the co-founder of The Mekons (one of the few formative British punk bands born in ’77 still kicking today), the ringleader of alt-country progenitor Waco Brothers, or even the right-hand man to Chicago’s punk-country label Bloodshot Records. He’s also an incredible visual artist with a large number of paintings dedicated to the portraiture of his inspiration: bygone country music stars.
A series of these vintage-style portraits will be featured this fall for Langford‘s second exhibition at Rogue Buddha Gallery in Minneapolis.
Langford‘s scratched, multi-layered prints based on antiquated promo shots are created with a mix of acrylic, pastel, and, as he puts it, “gunk, snot, and whatever comes to hand.” Mounted on wood and varnished, the portraits cultivate a poignant nostalgia, especially for those who remember a time when those promo shots — and the artists they depict — were shiny and new. Those represented in his paintings include Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe (shown above), and Hank Williams.
His repertoire has also expanded to include more conceptual work with stronger messages — a series of gravestones for country music icons, portraits with faces of band members scratched out, recreations of neglected, and yellowed publicity stills covered in graffiti — coming together to embody Langford‘s condemning gaze cast toward today’s country music industry.
The Rogue Buddha Gallery is located in the post-industrial Northeast Minneapolis’ Arts District and will run Langford‘s exhibit from September 7th to October 14th. The opening reception will take place the evening of Friday, September 7, from 7-11pm. Along with attending his opening, Langford is also expected to perform at a TBA music venue in the Twin Cities.
Rogue Buddha Gallery
357 13th Ave NE
Minneapolis, MN 55413
(612) 331-3889
www.roguebuddha.com