Joe Ledbetter

Influenced by classic animation, graphic design, and daily life, Joe Ledbetter is one of Lowbrow art’s leading protagonists. Light-hearted in its approach, his art often places cute and cuddly creatures in unfortunate — albeit humorous — situations. With a lean on the subversive and absurd, these scenarios are nonetheless all too familiar and thus question our tendency for taking life (and ourselves) too seriously.

While working as a graphic apparel artist for three years, Ledbetter got involved in the LA underground art scene, beginning with group shows like the legendary Cannibal Flower. By the summer of 2004, he had honed his trademark visual style of emblematic line-work, vibrant colors, and endearing characters to the point of quitting his day job. His incredible cast of creatures have since been emblazoned on over 100 designer vinyl toys, as well as apparel and lifestyle brands, the world over.

Exhibition History

AMALGAMATION TOUR:

London:
“SHOCK & AWE”
Saturday October 10, 2009
London Miles Gallery

Amsterdam:
“ARM & A LEG”
Saturday October 17, 2009
Outland Records

Paris:
“BIRDS & BEES”
Saturday October 24, 2009
Artoyz

Rome:
“HEARTS & MINDS”
Tuesday November 3, 2009
Mondo Pop Gallery

Istanbul:
“SHARKS & MINNOWS”
Thursday November 5, 2009
Milk Gallery
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Previous Art Exhibitions:

- Death and Taxes. Solo show. Copro/Nason Gallery: Santa Monica, CA. June 6, 2009.
- Aerophobia. Solo show. Paradise Toy Land: Taipei, Taiwan. November 14, 2008.
- Hunters and Gatherers. Solo show. M Modern Gallery, Palm Springs, CA. October 25, 2008.
- Unspeakable. 2-artist show with Andrew Brandou. Gallery 1988, San Francisco, CA. May 16, 2008.
- Creature Comforts. Solo show. STITCH, Tokyo, Japan. April 4, 2008.
- Love Songs for the Rejected. Solo Show. M Modern Gallery, Palm Springs, CA. October 6, 2007.
- Ill Morphology. 3-artist show with Anthony Ausgang and Thomas Han. Copro/Nason Gallery, Santa Monica, CA. June 9, 2007.
- Fever Dream. Solo Show. Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. March 6, 2007.
- The Balancing Act. Solo show. Magic Pony Gallery, Toronto, Canada. November 9, 2006.
- Superstitious. Solo show. M Modern Gallery, Palm Springs, CA. September 30, 2006.
- Attack of the Mutant Bunnies. Solo show. Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. July 11, 2006.
- Flight of the Navigator. 2-artist show with Greg "Craola" Simkins. Gallery 1988, Los Angeles, CA. March 14, 2006.
- Swallowed Alive. Solo show and "Lava Bunny" toy release. Kidrobot, Santa Monica, CA. September 22, 2005.
- Temporary Permanence. Solo show, Black Market, Long Beach, CA. March 12, 2005.
- Paintings n, Stuff. 2-artist show with Thomas Han, Cannibal Flower, Los Angeles, CA. September 25, 2004.
- Featured Artist. Featured Artist in a group show. Hangar 1018, Los Angeles, CA. August 6, 2004.
- Tear Gas Wasteland. 2-artist show with Jen Boyd, Underground Art Society, Altadena, CA. March 7, 2003.

Artwork

Flight Path
Shell Shock
Trouble
Terror 1

Bio

Available Works

Exhibition History

View Artwork