The Ugly Truth

As much as we’d like to think that looks don’t count, let’s face it: Pretty people get a ton of perks, from free nightclub admission to higher salaries. But as local artist Luster Kaboom points out, there’s an upside to not being really, really good looking. “When I have tried...

By Wynter Holden

September 15, 2011

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As much as we’d like to think that looks don’t count, let’s face it: Pretty people get a ton of perks, from free nightclub admission to higher salaries.

But as local artist Luster Kaboom points out, there’s an upside to not being really, really good looking. “When I have tried to paint something beautiful, I always find it's still ugly,” he says. “I have in the past struggled with this, but now I embrace it because I kind of think ugly is more interesting to look at.”

His latest illustration series turns the spotlight on physical and emotional ugliness through whimsical portraits that few would define as traditionally attractive. See for yourself at the opening of “There Might Be Something Wrong with Me” at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 16, at The Trunk Space, 1506 Grand Avenue.

The show also includes works by Kaboom’s mother, which is ironic considering that he uses a nom de guerre to prevent his family from being associated with his signature naked chicks and scary, cartoonlike creatures. “My mom makes some crazy stuff,” says Kaboom. “You can see where [my] creative tendencies originated from.”

Fri., Sept. 16, 6-10 p.m., 2011

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