LONDON CALLING: Rich Simmons vision of Pop for the New Millennium

reporter/photographer: Miguel Dominguez

On September 18, Soho Contemporary Art introduced Rich Simmons' first show in America, who after three successful shows in the U.K., decided to bring his latest works to the New York art scene.

Born in Peterborough in 1986, Rich Simmons now resides in London and is completely self taught; he is proud to be trail blazing a whole new genre of art-a fusion of street and pop art often inspired by retro, vintage style '50s imagery with pin ups, with silver era comic books having a prominent role in the work. The use of his bold color palette, hand drawn and hand cut stencils, drop shadow illusions and reclaimed billboards that have been pulled down from the streets are proving Rich is both an innovator and a highly collectable artist. Rich's work first exploded onto the commercial art scene with a street art piece celebrating the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in 2011. The piece entitled 'Future ***King' depicted the royal couple as Sid & Nancy of the Sex Pistols, capturing the feelings of a nation in a fresh and witty manner. Images of the work reached a global audience within hours of its completion.

Rich Simmons with gallery owner Rick Rounick

Mike Barber straightens a painting

Rich chatting with admirers

Soho Contemporary Art is located in the heart of Manhattan's Lower East Side. It features the artwork of Alex Katz, Andy Warhol, Bambi, Burton Morris, Christopher Wool, Donald Sultan, Jean-Michel Basquiat, Jim Dine, Keith Haring, Neil Leifer, Robert Longo, Robert Rauschenberg, Roy Lichtenstein, Takashi Murakami, Tom Wesselmann and many others. With over 30 years of experience Soho Contemporary Art has provided the finest condition artwork at the best possible price points to collectors and galleries located around the world. Committed to maintaining the highest level of service to its clients, Soho Contemporary Art caters to both the established, as well as the beginning collector, interested in investment quality contemporary art.