"My work is universal in many regards and seems to strike a chord throughout the world," NYC-based Jerkface says of his work. And, yes, there is a universality to the way the anonymous street artist works, treading the line between Pop Art and popular reimagination. The way we consume culture and the way pop iconography often blends, blurs and bends, Jerkface touches a nerve as to how those all intersect in our minds. His newest solo show, Villainy, on view at Maddox Gallery in London, catapults the concept to a greater sense of purpose; as we reopen the world, what is it to feel a universality. 

"The style is hiding behind the characters," the artist says. "Initially, I used abstract shapes and colour dispersion in repetition. The cartoon subject matter was the missing link. Once I utilized this imagery as a universal language to incorporate in my work, it developed quickly”.

One of the great parts of the exhibition is the immersive environment Jerkface created, circling his Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh and other icons with his distinct donut-topping touches and full larger than life donut at the gallery's entrance. "Donuts are the perfect food representation of pop culture. They're colourful and are full of sugar. The representation of this in art seems to be as enjoyable as eating a real donut. They were also popularized in NYC and managed to come out on top out of tons of desserts and treats in the last century, which hits home for me.”

They call him the "cartoon villain," but that mischievous fun is implicit in Villainy. Our world is about connecting the dots, experiencing imagery that is thrown out to us and processing it. Jerkface is having a laugh with it, and taking us with him. 

Jerkface's Villainy is on view at Maddox Gallery in London through July 15, 2021.