The man behind the myth.

Apparently born under a super full moon sometime in the last century in a country too difficult to pronounce, let alone spell. Not much is known of his early years, some say he was raised in a traveling circus, others that he is an aristocrat of Slovenian heritage. Rumour even has it that he is now 98 years old and used to associate with the greatest minds of his age.

Then again others think he’s just some guy from England who likes to paint ridiculous amounts of bright coloured art.

What we do know though, is that since bursting onto the art scene in 2007 his work has appeared on and livened up numerous streets, gallery and home walls in places around the world and beyond.

Fed up with people being angry, disappointed, sad and disillusioned with life, Leer sees it as his duty to brighten up the world and spread some happiness. 

Over a decade Bortusk has developed a signature voice and style, creating manic, euphoric creatures (his monsters) plus other lively abstract pieces, videos, TV shows and numerous psychedelic assemblages of Neo-Pop-Art-Brut.

Fascinated by Picasso and the CoBrA-movement, inspired by futuristic heroes and influenced by all the children of the world, Leer became the founder and leader of Art Comedy.

He’s still the only member though as far as we know. His aim is not only to  create as much art as he possibly can, but also to put a smile on everyone’s face and spread some positive emotions whilst doing so.

“I jusT waNT To cheer peopLe up a BIT, as There’s Far Too maNy mIseraBLe BasTards ouT There!”

Living as we do now in a world of division, suspicion and distress, Bortusk looks beyond this. Some say his mission is naive while others bless him for it. Leer himself does not fear naivety, he fears cynicism.

Loudly and gamesomely Leer attempts to question our mental, social and  political barriers. He tries to disrupt our fears and our expectations.

Finally, his effervescent work challenges the inner child in us all to come out and play.

VIEW & PURCHASE AVAILABLE WORKS

Artist's reception: First Friday February 1st, 7–11pm
Exhibition dates: February 1–April 6, 2019