A new series launched
June 2021
Paradise Valley is the latest series of joyful colour canvases by Fringe. Large, loose and jam packed with extreme movement of line, it’s a surreal gathering of the superheroes and antiheroes of the world cartoon movement.
Paradise Vally, the series, portrays a place where only good things happen, where life is great. In his new work, Fringe takes us on a whirlwind tour with friends from a perfect childhood. This is Paradise Valley, where ice creams fall from the sky. Everyone is welcome, the sun always shines and all good deeds go unpunished (to lift a phrase from the work itself).
The compositions are mezmerising, effervescent and youthful. The open framing of the characters suggests that the world of Paradise Valley goes on and on. Here, the artist has chosen loveable icons from his childhood and joined them with favorites of his own children at home. It’s a perfect day when Care Bear plays with Elmo plays with Finn and Beemo. When Cookie Monster plays with Spongebob plays with Mickey plays with Droopy the dog. Familiar FRINGE motifs emerge like fried eggs, and Gutinke Meine the ageing, soft bear-like toy.
Rendered in oil on canvas, with charcoal outline, Paradise Valley presents a new evolution in the work of Fringe. The sketchbook approach is illustrative and charming. The physics equations included refer to motion and velocity – accentuating the fact that even though there is continuous movement, the pictures are destinations in themselves.
Lightness, brightness, impulsiveness and friendliness will cause applause in the circus of the soul.
