Check out the master of "balancing cute with brute.” Better known as Luke Chueh, (Juxtapoz #91), the artist stands above with one of his freshest pieces as part of his solo, From Light Cometh Darkness at Corey Helford Gallery.

He doesn’t look so bad, but his latest works are a delicious combination of cuddly animals doing sot so cuddly things.

Capturing Chueh’s dark humor, the artist’s first solo show at the Gallery features paintings and drawings that are as sweet as they are vicious. Adorable bears, monkeys and rabbits find themselves in disturbing and ironic narratives that playfully weave light and dark elements.

For From Light Cometh Darkness, Chueh has obviously pushed himself technically, stylistically and narratively to produce some of his most explorative paintings to date. See what we mean in the opening reception photos below:

Crotch Shot

Natalia Fabia, Luke Chueh, Gary Baseman & Jan Corey Helford

Doll Face

Jason Arden McClure & Anne Faith Nicholls

Crowd Shot

Guitar Gero

Mari Inkai & Luke Chueh

Sylvia Ji

Sashimi

Rain Rain Go Away

Rabbi-toise

From Light Cometh Darkness will run through April 10th, 2009. Details at www.coreyhelfordgallery.com

More on Luke Chueh at www.lukechueh.com