- Mister Cartoon, 1963, International Ice Cream Truck, 2010, Urethane enamel candy painted freehand on truck by Mister Ctoons, photo by Estevan Oriol
Mister Cartoon’s exquisite, candy-colored ice cream truck will certainly be one of the highlights of MOCA’s landmark street art exhibit opening this weekend. The legendary street artist – and LA native — will have four pieces on display at the Geffen Contemporary for the exhibit, running April 17 to August 8.
To be honest, I knew him primarily as a tattoo artist to the stars (Eminem, Dr. Dre, Justin Timberlake) but it was very clear in his Guest DJ Project set that muraling cars is his true passion. I also learned how much oldies – from old soul to classic rock — have influenced the art of the hood, particularly when it comes to airbrushing low riders.
Cartoon also credits hip hop and other music with keeping him young.
“I’m an artist out of pure love. If I don’t draw, I get kinda nauseous in my stomach. Now it’s more of a business – I went from homeboy to homeowner. But I gotta keep my head in the street because of the artwork I do. I have to stay 18 years old in my head. I just try and stay current as far as artwork goes. This music really does influence you.”
Check out his Guest DJ set here
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Mister Cartoon Guest DJ Set Tracklist:
1. White Horse – Laid Back
2. Since I’ve Been Loving You – Led Zeppelin
3. Real Estate – Cypress Hill
4. Tricky Dick – Train Robbers
5. Soul Generation – Million Dollars