DIVINE POWER a Gallery AF Solo Show featuring Jay Gruesome

Join us for the evening as we celebrate the artworks of Artist/ Designer Jay Gruesome.

Jay Gruesome — an artist, illustrator, and creative force originally from Philadelphia, now resides in Los Angeles. The move west was never just a change of scenery; it was a deliberate step in a larger journey of self-discovery and a deeper understanding of what it means to live fully and authentically. Art has always been Jay's most honest language — a way to communicate what words alone cannot hold.

Their work is rooted in illustration, with a deep reverence for horror culture, tattoo aesthetics, and bold graphic design; drawn to imagery that provokes, unsettles, and captivates — visuals that demand a second look and leave something behind. Whether Jay is rendering iconic figures from the horror genre or crafting original pieces that explore themes of identity, power, and transformation, the goal is always the same: to create work that is visually striking and conceptually alive.

Beyond the image itself, Jay believes art is a vehicle for something bigger, committed to promoting equality and eco-conscious values, and actively seeks out collaborators and communities who share that vision.

Jay Gruesome's body of work spans several distinct but interconnected categories, each reflecting a dual passion for popular horror culture and original, concept-driven illustration.

Poster Prints feature bold, graphic portraits of iconic horror characters — including Ghostface from Scream, Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th, Art the Clown from Terrifier, Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Captain Spaulding from House of 1000 Corpses, and Pearl from Ti West's Pearl. These pieces are designed with a strong illustrative hand, capturing the menace and mythology of each character.

Original Art reveals a more personal, introspective side of Jay's practice. Works like "Evolve," "Elevate," "Conquer," "Peace," and "What Future?" hint at an engagement with themes of growth, struggle, and aspiration. Titles such as "Mystify," "Choke Hold," and "Toxic" reveal a darker psychological undercurrent, while "The Star" and "The Captain" show a continued interest in archetypes and persona. These pieces reflect the more intimate and emotionally charged dimension of the practice.

Stickers and Custom Apparel extend the visual language into everyday objects — making art wearable and accessible. Custom hand-painted and embellished garments, including denim vests featuring works like "Mischief" and "Pearl," demonstrate the connection to tattoo and streetwear culture, blending fine illustration with DIY craft traditions.

Across all formats, Jay Gruesome's work is unified by a commitment to bold imagery, subcultural authenticity, and a belief that art should be both visually arresting and meaningfully engaged with the world around it.

Jay has also selected Live Music, DJ, Food and Drink to coincide with the event.

Come and view some incredible visual art, grab a one-of-a-kind show merch, have a drink, a bite and enjoy the music; it will be a fun-filled evening!

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Host or Publisher Outskirts Gallery