In the late 1980s and early ’90s, the Pixies redefined the alt-rock genre with stripped-down tunes, biting lyrics, and an unguarded attitude that inspired bands like Nirvana, Radiohead, and the Strokes, just to name a few. Black Francis, Kim Deal, Joey Santiago, and David Lovering formed the band in Boston, but as is usually the case with music-industry vanguards, the Pixies were originally more successful overseas than in their homeland. Since a 2004 reunion tour, however, they’ve appeared in a feature-length documentary: loudQUIETloud: a film about the Pixies (2006), and a new exhibit at LA’s C.A.V.E. Gallery proves that the Pixies are finally earning the credit they deserve in the US. Dig for Fire: Art Inspired by the Pixies honors their role in rock history, as well as their cultural legacy, featuring more than 30 artists’ visual tributes to the Pixies’ music. Click through below for more artwork inspired by the band.
Plasticgod, The Pixies (2011), giclee print on canvas
Aya Kakeda, Havalina (2011), embroidery
Luke Chueh, “You fucking die,” I said (2011), acrylic and ink on wood
Casey Weldon, I Now Repent, (Pixies song: “Caribou,”) acrylic on watercolor paper
Chris Mars, Nimrod’s Son (2011), mixed media on clayboard
Douglas Miller, Caribou, ink, pencil, tea, and acrylic on paper
Kelly Allen, La La Love You, oil on canvas
PJ Fidler, Levitate Me (2011), mixed media on paper
Tom Haubrick, Something Against You, ink and wash on paper
Jeremy Pruitt, Monkeetar (2011), (Pixies song: “Monkey Gone to Heaven,”) wood
Gustavo Rimada, Where is My Mind (2011), acrylic on canvas
Kathleen Lolley, Bird Dream of the Olympus Mons, acrylic on wood
Macsorro, Cactus Man and the Bone Machine, oil on wood
Sergio Mora, Monkey Gone to Heaven (2011), oil on canvas
Timothy McCormick, Monkey Gone To Heaven (2011), mixed media diorama