If you live in Bushwick/Williamsburg, you should be attending the annual Bushwick Open Studios this weekend, June 3-5 – you’ll see some cool art, some terrible art, meet interesting people, get inspired, maybe score some drinks. Something for everyone! There’s a map and directory on the website, and area establishments (cafes, etc.) will have hard copies of the guide.

I highly recommend stopping by Oliver Warden‘s studio on Varet St – I came across his intensely colorful, information-dense paintings last summer via the Arts In Bushwick Facebook feed. I contacted him and he invited me to stop by for a studio visit. Whoa. The hues, texture, and complexity of detail in his work are incredible to see up close.

“To make these works I pour layers of oil medium onto digital composites that have been printed on stretched canvas. I grab these images from Hollywood films, satellites, video games, the Internet and many other digital sources. I cover that image with multiple semi-transparent pours in oil. This layering creates a low-relief topography inspired by many digital processes. These composites are landscapes that depict a world that communicates through the spectacle. ”

‘Electric Battle Masterpiece’

‘West Point’

Oliver is also a super nice dude who had some brownies waiting for me, which I felt bad about not being able to eat (gluten intolerant). We had a fantastic conversation regardless.

‘Caldera’

‘The Great American’

‘The Great American’ (detail of topographic relief)

He takes photos of all his studio visitors in front of the painting above.

Oliver also has a brilliant photography series based on stills from various video games which you can check out on his website, or better yet, with your bare eyeballs this weekend.

(images and artist statement via PS1, Jonathan Levine Gallery)