Childlike optimism and one recording artist's poetic ponderings have inspired two local artists to create vivid new works on display at the East Austin gallery, Art Palace.

Artistic friends Eric Gibbons and Nathan Green have teamed up to create the new exhibit,“Lasers in the Jungle," which opens Saturday.

Gibbons' whimsical portraits pay homage to one of his music idols.

"It comes from a lot of Paul Simon listening," he admits. "I have an affinity for what he's got to say."

Meanwhile, Green's paintings include bold, childlike imagery laced with flowers and rainbows, roller skates and snowmen. Stylistically, the duo's paintings deviate, but together their work explores what it means to be positive and happy in an increasingly disillusioned and sad world.

"It's everything," Green says. "It's positive, it's cynical, and it's OK with being both. It's honest."

The title of the exhibit is taken from Paul Simon’s 1986 song “The Boy in a Bubble” — a surprisingly upbeat tune about the impact of technological advancements in a growing world.

"Lasers in the Jungle resonates with both of us," said Gibbons, who tackled portraits of Star Wars characters in an exhibit last year. "We can both visualize that."

[Exhibit Website]

"Lasers in the Jungle" Opening Reception
Saturday, September 1st
Art Palace, 2109 Caesar Chavez
8 to 11 p.m.
Exhibit though Oct. 6

Image from exhibit website