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John Stango stands at the leading edge of modern American pop art. With a world-wide following drawn to his distinctive "American Muscle Car" style, John carries the pop art movement into the 21st century. His work is powerful. John builds upon the 1950's tradition, infusing it with a new vibrant, colorful, testosterone-fueled approach. Musicians, art collectors, politicians, actors, and professional athletes alike prize his work, which can be found in stadiums, corporate offices, and galleries across the country. Born and raised in working-class Philadelphia, artistic talent has always pumped through John's veins. Frances Elaine Rockwell, John's mother, was an extremely talented painter who transferred her gifts onto her son. Her family's artistic heritage, in fact, traces back to famed American artist Norman Rockwell. Early in life, John's teachers noticed his unique artistic talent. Although defying his family's wishes by attending Tyler School of Art at Temple University, John quickly began distinguishing himself even among a talented class of privileged students. Graduating with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting and Graphic Design, John drew the attention of Macy's and Bloomingdale's department stores who hired him as a visual merchandiser and display artist. Striking out on his own, John soon began to create silk-screened shirts that his former employees wore in the stores. As his reputation in the region continued to grow, John turned his attention and energy to painting full time. Currently working out of a large backwoods warehouse outside of Philadelphia, John draws insight from such famed artists as Warhol, Basquiat, Rauschenberg, Lichtenstein, Neiman and Max. Newspapers, retro-advertising, pop icons, B-movies, mid-century modernism, magazines, noir films, vintage signage and all things pop culture also inspire his works. Forming a unique combination of silk-screening and hand painting, John creates paintings that are at once nostalgic and modern. Intense brush strokes, explosions of color, aggressive textures, and juxtaposed images yield distinctive and recognizable canvasses. His subjects- sexy bombshell women, designer logos, sports heroes, Americana images- compete with and complement one another, yielding exceptional compositions. Praised by connoisseurs and philistines alike, John's art has widespread appeal. His paintings draw a diverse crowd to galleries spanning from New York to California, and Sweden to Japan. Beloved by such icons as Nicole Miller, Bruce Willis, Governor Ed Rendell, Swizz Beatz, and Sylvester Stallone, John's reinterpretation of classical icons resonate strongly in 21st century America. In addition to promoting his art, John also remains deeply committed to philanthropy, using paintings and proceeds to benefit charities around the world. |