Biography of Raymond Pettibon
The American artist Raymond Pettibon is famous for his comic-like drawings with their disturbing and witty captions. Pettibon embodies American high and low culture, from teenage rebellion to literature, politics, and sexuality. Often focusing on violent and anti-establishment subject matter, Pettibon was ideally suited to lead the DIY aesthetic that grew up around the Californian punk-rock culture of the 70s and 80s. He designed most of the cover art and posters for this scene—notably Black Flag, a band he co-founded with his brother.
It did not take long for Pettibon to be recognized as a contemporary artist in his own right and by the mid-80s he was exhibiting in group shows around America. In 1992 he appeared in the prestigious Helter Skelter: L.A. Art in the 1990s, at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles.
Pettibon's primary medium is Indian ink on paper. Many of his drawings are monochromatic, such as his famous cover image for the Sonic Youth album, Goo 1991. On occasions he will add color and use crayons or watercolor and has even experimented with video art. With his design background Pettibon is a master of editions and multiples. Born in 1957, Pettibon's work has achieved worldwide recognition and he is featured in the permanent collections of the Centre Pompidou, Paris, and the Tate in London. A forthcoming Raymond Pettibon—Retrospective, at Sammlung Falckenberg in Hamburg will open in December 2015.
