It was standing room only as about 200 people crowded into reZurrection Gallery Feb. 14 for the opening of "Varga Valentine."
Owners of the Tempe gallery, Darci and Damion Johnson, are showcasing artists whose works are devoted to the pinup girl style of art.
Varga Valentine at reZurrection Gallery, 601 W. University Drive, Tempe. Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Now through March 10. 480.377.9080. Web site.
"We thought it was appropriate for the month of love to showcase works of this style," Darci says.
Pinup art gained notoriety early in the 20th century with artists like Alberto Vargas, who contributed hundreds of drawings, watercolors, photographs and cartoons for magazines such as Esquire and Playboy. Vargas' works were so popular, the term 'Varga Girl' was coined for pinup style girls. The Varga Girl is amply endowed, yet innocent and unaware of her sexuality-the epitome of the "All American Girl."
"The art is having revitalization today because it's classy," Darcy says. "It's sweet, especially compared to today's standards of sexy."
The show's headliner is Los Angeles-based artist Christine Karas. Karas says she often faces criticism for being a female who specializes in a style of art that is seen by some as an idealized and inaccurate portrayal of women.
"A lot of people misinterpret my work," Karas says. "They say, 'You're a woman, how could you do it?' But I think as a woman, I can paint women in a way men can't."
It is immediately noticeable that Karas' girls are not sweet or innocent. They brandish whips or aggressive dogs on chains, and the art has backgrounds of deep red or black. Other girls share the canvas with dead birds, mounted deer heads, pit bulls, chihuahuas or the words "Honk if You Love Jesus."
"Men don't find my art sexual enough," Karas says. "But the women who like it, love it."
Sean Winkle, a Tempe musician, says he found Karas' art out of place in the pinup genre.
"I know she was going for more than just a picture of a sexy girl, but I don't think there should be a hidden message behind pinup art," Winkle says.
Pinup fans like Winkle found other pieces at the show to appreciate, such as the works from local artist Jon Arvizu.
Arvizu says he just likes to draw women.
"These days there is no art for art's sake," Arvizu says. "It's got to be heaven and hell, life and death. Women are beautiful. My art is fun."
Arvizu's works on display have white backgrounds with intensely colored blondes and red-heads, who are poised invitingly. The women don sheer lingerie or even butterfly wings. His other works are brightly and boldly colored. The women resemble comic book heroines with big eyes and full lips.
All works on display from Karas and Arvizu are on sale, ranging in price from $195 to $1500. The reZurrection Gallery also has an original Vargas for sale, "First Love".
"It is tongue-in-cheek," Arvizu says, referring to the fact that most of the women are nude or half nude in his works. "But most of the reactions are positive, from men and women."
Reach the reporter at lauren.vasquez@asu.edu.
