HOT ROD ROUNDUP
Hot Rod culture was spawned from the Southern California car scene of the 1960’s. Part rock-a-billy esthetic, part grease monkey cool, it’s all Americana at its core. This subculture spawned other subcultures within the subculture: for instance the pin-up. Also, there’s the distinct art, or lack thereof, in some cases of the cars. Basically, these odes to sex and rock n’ roll birthed, in part, low brow art.
A Slushbox is a term from hot rod culture that refers to an automatic transmission car; it’s not a term of endearment. However, Slushbox is also an art gallery in West Palm Beach that specializes in low brow art. Low brow and art have always seemed to be almost double negative in nature, since isn’t beauty in the eye of the beholder? There is a sort of cool, detachment in embracing low brow, outlaw status and creating a culture behind it: see Marlon Brando’s line from the Wild One when asked what he’s rebelling against, his answer, “What have you got?” This, “rebellion at any cost” attitude is the cornerstone behind what makes low brow art so much fun and Slushbox is celebrating their 4 year anniversary by embracing all of the elements that have made them so successful.
Saturday, June 25th is the Ink & Pistons Tattoo & Piercing and Slushbox Gallery annual Art Show and Hot Rod Roundup! The event will feature some of the most interesting and bad ass hot rods ratting around the tri-county area; as well, as pretty much anything else they can get their hands on that features prominently in the Hot Rod culture. There’s mention of tikis, pin-ups, tattoo inspired art, day of the dead schwag and of course cake and hot dogs from the PS561 food truck. Really what other way is there to celebrate low brow art and an art gallery specializing in low brow art than to get loud with hot chicks and kustom kulture? The gods of kitsch and rock and roll will be very pleased.
The Ink & Pistons / Slushbox Gallery Anniversary Party, Art Show & Hot Rod Roundup takes place at Slushbox Gallery: 2716 South Dixie Highway, West Palm Beach. 7pm-11pm. Come early, stay late!
~ Tim Moffatt
