john-tebeau-art-dev

Justin Bua: The Artist and His Influences

Justin Bua, "Jazz Trio"
Justin Bua, “Jazz Trio”

In the mid-90s I drove a van out to California and ended up moving into the top floor of a large, drafty Victorian house in San Francisco that had made it through two major earthquakes and a fire. She was a survivor, and she swayed when the damp west wind screamed over the hill at Alamo Square, blasting down Grove Street and boom, smack into the side of 640 Laguna: Ol’ Wobbly. My room was large, and I took full advantage of all that wall space by letting my inner 13-year old decorate it as he saw fit. That meant posters, baby, and plenty of ’em.

San Francisco is the legendary home of the “rock poster” movement of the 1960s and 70s, and I figured I’d get my mitts on a few of those. Reprints, yes, but the originals were pretty pricey, so I kept looking. At one of the 1,500 stores with posters on Haight Street (lots of mushroom posters, people, LOTS of mushroom posters) I found something that knocked me out: a collection by an artist I’d never seen before. This alone was unusual.

I look at art, illustrations, cartoons and all types of graphic design constantly. CONSTANTLY. I soak it up, noticing it all even when I’m not paying attention. For something to catch my eye, overloaded as it is like Mr. Creosote in the Monty Python flick just before he eats the dessert wafer, well… a poster would have to be pretty good. These posters were excellent. The composition, the colors, the mood, even the paper they were printed on – everything was top-notch. I was delighted. I was mesmerized. I had to have one. Fortunately they were in my price range, which was just about big enough to squeeze a gnat through in those days. Man, it was a drag being that broke. The upside was having plenty of free time and all those BYO parties with other budget-constricted neo-bohemian types, but man…. Being broke in a city that swank could be a bummer. The best of times/worst of times, fer sher.

Anyway, I got the poster, and savored the purchase. “Jazz Trio” by Justin Bua. It called to me partly because I had jazz trio on the brain. My roommates and I were into seeing the Charlie Hunter Trio play in SF around that time Yes, they played The Jazz. In those days you could catch them all the time at Cafe du Nord on Market Street for about $5. A deal, to be sure. Plus, we could walk there. Frugal entertainment, I love ya!

Bua is solidly based in the cartoon idiom, and given the formidable quality of his work and of the production of the poster, it felt like fine art to me. It was lyrical, moody and surprised me with its originality and wit. Bua’s an “urban artist.” I know, I know. I don’t like the moniker either, but he comes out of the hip-hop tradition of art. Urban? Have it your way, Dude. In the old days art which affectionately featured city folks was called the Ash Can School. Bua seems influenced by guys like Ernie Barnes, Archibald Motley, Jr., and I’d say a little Thomas Hart Benton too, all accepted as fine artists. The lyrical, exaggerated figures, the rich colors, the obvious fascination with people and what they do: Bua, Benton, Barnes and Motley all the way.

Check out these dance scenes, one by each artist, and you’ll see what I mean.

Ernie Barnes, "Sugar Shack"
Ernie Barnes, “Sugar Shack”

 

"Nightlife" by Archibald Motley
“Nightlife” by Archibald Motley
"The Twist," Thomas Hart Benton
“The Twist,” Thomas Hart Benton
"1981." Justin Bua
“1981.” Justin Bua

Take a look at more of Bua’s work at justinbua.com. And that poster? I’ve still got it rolled up and stored away, ready to be tacked up again in my man cave. Or should I say manchild cave, covered in posters, to be sure.

9 comments

I just found a Bua, the one you have featured, piano blues man. It has real juju in it. I foind another also. You know the price of it?

I simply want to tell you that I am beginner to blogging and site-building and seriously savored this web site. More than likely I’m likely to bookmark your website . You really have fantastic article content. Cheers for revealing your web site.

I believe you have noted some very interesting details , appreciate it for the post.

Definitely believe that which you said. Your favorite justification seemed to be on the net the simplest thing to be aware of. I say to you, I certainly get annoyed while people consider worries that they plainly don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the top and also defined out the whole thing without having side effect , people can take a signal. Will likely be back to get more. Thanks

I only want to mention I am a newbie to writing a blog and site-building and definitely I much like this web site. Probably I am planning to bookmark your webblog . You actually should have provide impressive content and reviews. Appreciate it for sharing your blog.

This is very interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your web site in my social networks!

What i do not realize is in reality how you are now not really a lot more smartly-preferred than you may be now. You are so intelligent. You realize therefore considerably with regards to this subject, made me individually believe it from a lot of varied angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested until it¡¦s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs excellent. Always maintain it up!

Keep up the wonderful piece of work, I read few content on this website and I conceive that your site is very interesting and holds circles of wonderful info .

Great ¡V I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all tabs and related information ended up being truly simple to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it in the least. Reasonably unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your customer to communicate. Excellent task..

Leave a comment:

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.