Johnny Romeo
WHATEVER!
New Paintings
Few words capture both youthful ennui and the freedom of limitless possibilities like ‘whatever’. From the grunge-ridden disillusionment of Gen X to the savvy self-confidence of today’s Zillenials, people the world over have rallied around the mantra of ‘whatever’ to rise above the pressures of contemporary life. In ‘Whatever!’, internationally acclaimed Australian Pop painter Johnny Romeo makes his triumphant hometown return to Sydney with an exhilarating collection of new paintings that celebrate the power of ‘whatever’ as not just a catchline for the disenchanted, but a revolutionary way of life. Romeo’s latest series sees Australia’s King of Pop at the height of his powers, as he uses his signature Technicolor imagery and razor-sharp wit to transform comic book superheroes and beloved historical figures into larger-than-life Kitsch Pop avatars that call on us to throw caution to the wind and be who we are destined to be.
Since its heyday as the quintessential buzzword of the 1990s and early 2000s, ‘whatever’ has transformed into one of the most powerful and complex expressions in the English language. Popularized in the 1990s through the explosion of grunge and alternative culture, ‘whatever’ encapsulated the existential angst of a generation disaffected by meaningless consumerism and the hollow pursuit of status. At the same time, ‘whatever’ was adopted as a tagline for feisty teens and fabulous fashionistas sarcastically cutting through the drama of everyday life. In his latest series, Johnny Romeo explores the full spectrum of this vital, loaded term as he veers from the cynical to the sassy, ultimately embracing the potential of ‘whatever’ as a clarion call for radical transformation – to do whatever you need to do, to be whatever you want to be. Despite its simplicity, Romeo skillfully reconfigures ‘whatever’ into a powerfully Poptimistic worldview that spurs us to follow our dreams and live authentically to the beat of our own drum.
At its core, Whatever! is about taking control of your destiny, channeling the vital energy within yourself to take a leap of faith and break free from the limitations of society. The series boasts a motley crew of outlaws and rebels, intergalactic voyagers and visionary Pop superstars who embody the hope and promise of ‘whatever’ with their own distinct flair. For some, ‘whatever’ is about realizing your self-worth and finding the strength to walk away from toxic relationships, while for others the term is a life-affirming mantra for pushing the boundaries and venturing into the unknown. In Romeo’s neon-drenched Kitsch Pop world, anything is possible as classical marble statues become glam rock superstars, earthbound foxes take to the heavens and primal panthers tear up the dance floor as savage party animals. Each of these figures possess an unshakable self-confidence that inspires us to say ‘whatever’ to the naysayers, to take up space and bravely define our own sense of meaning and happiness.
Throughout his latest series, Johnny Romeo uses his arsenal of Pop culture references and remarkable knack for culture jamming to visually explore the endless horizons of ‘whatever’ in profound and unexpected ways. Whatever! is rife with nods to 90s and early 2000s Pop culture, channelling the irreverent comedy rock of Liam Lynch’s ‘United States of Whatever’ (2002), the nihilism of Nirvana’s Nevermind (1991), and the cocksure swagger of Oasis. Embracing the ‘anything goes’ attitude of the series, Romeo envisions alternative realities where Pop Art ‘sad girls’ become feisty Gen X mavens straight out of 90s rom-coms, and troubled 1890s Impressionists find purpose in the gritty edge of 1990s hip hop. In these vibrant mashups, Romeo’s eclectic passion for comics and music truly comes alive, as Gothic superheroes find love to the euphoria of 90s techno, and cosmic travellers ride the waves to the sunny guitar-fuzz of bands like Supergrass and The Living End.
Bold, frenetic and in-your-face, Whatever! is an incendiary blend of explosive colour arrangements, audacious imagery and punk rock attitude that sees Australia’s King of Pop at his unapologetically Kitsch Pop best. In a world where self-doubt is the norm, Romeo’s latest series serves as a powerful reminder to never lose faith in yourself, to let your imagination run wild and embrace the freedom to become whatever you aspire to be.
Exhibition Closing Party: Friday 6th December, 2024 @ 6:30-8:00pm
Harvey Galleries, 515 Sydney Road, Seaforth, 2092, NSW, Australia Ph: +61 2 9907 0595.
RSVP to attend the Closing Party of Johnny Romeo’s WHATEVER! is essential.
RSVP to: rsvp@harveygalleries.com.au or – RSVP HERE
Exclusive Purchase and Preview period: Wednesday 27th November – 5-8pm AEST. Add your name to the VIP List – REGISTER HERE
Artist Talk: Saturday 30th November & 7th November – 2-3pm – REGISTER HERE
Any inquiries regarding Johnny Romeo’s WHATEVER! can be made directly through Harvey Galleries (admin@harveygalleries.com.au) or by calling the gallery on +61 2 9907 0595.
Exhibition Dates: 28th November – 10th December 2024.
November 17, 2024