the story about
BLANCO
Johnny Blanco is an Urban Contemporary artist that takes his inspiration from a unique mix of the streets and the museums. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley he was surrounded by graffiti and brightly colored murals. As a teenager Johnny was accepted into an advanced art program at one of the top Art Colleges in the States. This was his gateway from the streets to the world of art and design. He studied fine art, advertising design and was introduced to the Museum scene.
Finding the similarities between the bright colors and bold Images in Warhols work and the graffiti found on the side of the buildings downtown he was inspired. This is where his unique style was born, a use of bold recognizable images mixed with intense energy of the streets. His eye popping works cross the line between irony and social comments all while grabbing the attention of the spectator.
The Journey
Yes, this is true.
I was born in the Desert. My mother was alone since my father was overseas. He was in the military on his second tour and he didn't return from the war until I was six months old.
I was raised in the Valley. The San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles. This is where my introduction to the colorful world of Graffiti began.
I am drawn to Ocean. There is something always pulling me back. Places like Miami, Santa Monica and Puerto Rico have always held a special place in my heart and soul.
The Name
Yes, Johnny Blanco is a pseudonym.
It all started back in the day when a friend of mine, a Marine would call me Johnny Bravo.
Bravo being the military code for the letter “B”.
Later one of my good friends from Mexico hears me being called Johnny Bravo and he changes it up.
He starts calling me Johnny Blanco.
It stuck.
