Artist Spotlight: Esao Andrews

by Lyndsey Mueller | June 1, 2017

When the photo first appeared on my screen I couldn’t tear my eyes away from the imagery – it was equal parts haunting, illuminating and strangely mystical in its being with an air of melancholy surrounding it. It was a photo of Esao Andrew’s “Lethe” currently being display here at our Mesa Contemporary Art Museum as part of the “Flourish: A New Contemporary Art Movement” exhibition and I instantly knew I needed to know more about this artist.

So, like anyone’s next step, I turned to the internet to find anything and everything I could about Esao Andrew. Keeping it short and simple, Esao Andrew was born right here in Mesa, Arizona (how cool is that!) then went on to pursue his artistic abilities at an art school in New York, and presently resides in Los Angeles continuing alongside his “semi-faithful” companion, Soybean. His signature is using oil on wood panels, while creating mysterious images of pop surrealism that tend to lean more on the moody, sullen, and sometimes frightening side of the spectrum. Upon more research into his artwork I realized this wasn’t the first time I had ever seen his work.

There were several standout pieces of artwork that I immediately identified – however, I knew them as album artwork for the band Circa Survive. This was such a crazy connection for myself as I still listen to that band faithfully while starring at the artwork whenever they are playing on my device. I should probably do more research into album artwork that I love and connect with, because you never know, the artist might be a part of the exhibition at your local art museum. Hmpf, who would’ve ever guessed?

It’s connections like this that make it exciting to go to museums, experiencing works that pique your curiosity, and leave you wanting more. Check out Essau Andrews mural as well as other artists being hosted by the Mesa Contemporary Art Museum, the show is running from now until August 6, 2017 - and friendly reminder, it’s free!