In an endless barrage of awkward social situations and annoyances, most would gladly trade the thorns of the human experience for a few moments of alone time. It’s this search for solitude that guides “Personal Kingdoms,” the debut solo exhibit by San Diego artist/graphic designer Jesse Chapo. Combining steady-handed animation and splotches of rainbow psychedelics, Chapo’s collection of paintings and illustrations represent the desire not to deal with life’s everyday problems and opting instead to focus on one’s own personal identity. It might not say it exactly that way on the artist’s-statement plaque, but you get the idea. Many of his pieces are forged on birch wood, allowing each color and drawing to pop off of the walls and into your subconscious. And the part of your brain that entices you to buy good art.
Fri., May 8, 7 p.m., 2009
