Los Angeles artist Luke Chueh returns with his latest hand-painted editions, created right here in the heart of Detroit, as he revisits his iconic Soundtrack To My Life with two variant editions created on hand cut layered wood complete with real 45 RPM and 33 RPM records. Read on for a look into the process behind these extremely unique editions and more in our latest interview with Luke Chueh . . .
1xRUN: Tell us a little bit about this iconic image of yours, anything immediate you want to highlight about this image and the execution of these particular hand-painted editions?
Luke Chueh: “Soundtrack (To My Life)” was originally created to be used as the artwork to my friend LC’s (of Thinkspace Gallery) DJ CD. I wanted to create an image that tied together elements of DJ culture and my tragic sensibilities.
1x: When was the original piece created and what materials were used?
Chueh: The original painting was created in 2004. It was an acrylic painting on wood panel.
1x: What is unique about this latest iteration of the Soundtrack To My Life, tell us some of your favorite aspects about these editions?
Chueh: The idea for this edition came from a brainstorming session with the 1xRUN team. I wanted to create something that took advantage of the companies various facilities, like their wood working and silk screen set ups.
Aside from being hand painted, what makes these editions truly unique is the use of actual records in the final piece.
1x: Why should people buy this one of these editions?
Chueh: Aside from being a revisit of one of my most iconic images, collectors should be interested in this because it is a release unlike anything I’ve produced. And with vinyl records being in vogue, this release is for anyone who is passionate for music.
1x: Describe this image in one gut reaction word.
Chueh: Analogue-tragedy.
Chueh: In the 80’s and 90’s I discovered music with the help of my friends. They introduced me to new wave, techno pop and Brit indie music. In my later high school days, I identified with a goth & industrial style of music, and in the 90’s I got caught up with electronica/IDM/electro styles of music. (I can’t deny that for a time I was very interested in becoming a DJ.)
When I moved to LA, I kind of lost track with contemporary music, but nowadays I listen to a lot of the same stuff I grew up with and I mix it up with NPR and whatever new tunes that happen to catch my ear.
1x: You recently got back from a massive solo show and dove right into curating a group show of your own, bring us up to speed, how did they both go?
Chueh: This spring had been amazing for me. My show with Secret Fresh in the Philippines was more than I could ever hoped for. It felt like my first serious foothold into an Asian art market. I already have plans on doing a show with them in October of 2018. The show I curated with Giant Robot was a lot of fun, but totally forgot how much work it takes to make one of these shows come together. I’m hoping I could put together another group show with GR next year too.
1x: What are some of the strides you feel you’ve made in the recent pieces?
Chueh: I guess I feel like I’m technically improving. I see myself being more demanding of myself and am trying techniques outside of my comfort zone. I think these experimentations definitely come through in my work, and I hope my audience feels like they are evolving with me as I grow as an artist.
1x: Any new styles that you’ve been experimenting with?
Chueh: I’ve obviously been experimenting with color and technique, but I’m also trying to develop ideas outside of my usual formula. This includes bringing new characters, more actual humans, trying different styles visual story telling. I’m also hoping to explore more social themes as opposed to just personal ones.
1x: What else is on deck for you as we get into the spring and summer here?
Chueh: This year Munky King and I will be celebrating the 10 year anniversary of my Possessed toy by releasing an updated version of it. I also have a solo show coming this December with Corey Helford Gallery. Asides from that, I’m hoping to get my apparel line, “Unbearable” fully running, and I have some new collectibles I’d like to get produced. Finally, I’m working on developing a couple animation projects.
1xRUN: Where else can people find you?
Luke Chueh: Website – Instagram @lukechueh – Twitter @lukechueh – Facebook
-1xRUN