In past years, we have been honored to enlist jurors for Surreal Salon that represent some of the most influential names in pop-surrealism, including Juxtapoz co-founder Greg Escalante and artists such as Ron English, Camille Rose Garcia, Greg “Craola” Simkins, Liz McGrath, and Josh “Shag” Agle.

This tradition continued in 2020 with artist Dan Quintana serving as Special Guest Juror for Surreal Salon 12, thanks in part to a partnership with the LSU School of Art.

Quintana’s tones, brushwork, and technique might sometimes be seen as a modern twist on the work of Hieronymus Bosch, his subject matter places his paintings in an entirely different space than his stylistic mentor’s. The Los Angeles-based artist took his early experimentation with oil painting with him when his focus shifted to street art and murals. In his twenties, Quintana took on commissions for music labels and t-shirt designs that allowed him the freedom to become a full-time artist. In the years, since, Quintana’s work has been featured in publications such as Juxtapoz, LA Weekly, and others. Whether seen on the streets or in the gallery, color and light have always played important roles in Quintana’s work, as have figures immersed in ethereal worlds that explore the relationship between life and death.

Quintana will gave a free and informal talk at the LSU School of Art on Monday, January 27, 2020 in conjunction with Surreal Salon 12. His presentation touched on his own work, his career as a professional artist, the state of pop-surrealism today, as well as the collection of works featured in Surreal Salon 12.