Michael Knowlton is an artist involved in the lowbrow art scene as a writer for Juxtapoz and an early exhibitor in Zero One Gallery. His recent paintings are politically charged comments on current events and the war in Iraq, inspired by news broadcasts on TV and in newspapers, photojournalistic scenes, and the artist's unique narrative.

Statement from the artist:
"As we moved closer to invading Iraq for a second time, like many Americans, I saw that this had nothing to do with 9/11, spreading freedom or finding WMD. This was the PNAC plan, shaped and signed by the usual suspects. Carlyle and Halliburton already had maps, blueprints. No one wanted this war as much as the Oval Office. There were so many lies told.

This war will cost over three trillion dollars and much of this money is going to mercenaries that answer to no law, military or Iraqi. Everybody knew if we were to take out a dictator there would be chaos. This war has become flypaper to the U.S. sapping our resources and spending future generations nest egg and making generations of enemies.

These paintings try to express my frustration at the squandering of resources, lives and future for what seems to be a business deal that will leave us vulnerable and under armed if a real threat occurs. The mercenary in these pictures is fictitious, but no more a lie than any told in Washington."

Michael Knowlton grew up in the Bay Area, painting hot rod t-shirts at fairs during his teens and studied art at San Francisco State University. He later went back to low brow and politically charged work in the early 90's focusing on oil use and other ecological themes infused with a film-noir quality. Recurring themes include burning palm trees, which resonate with the menace of arson and the faded California dream. He also has written for Juxtapoz magazine and Surfer's Journal for over ten years.