Artists Prekop and Sieben at Tiny Park Gallery

Stop by Tiny Park Gallery tonight from 7-11pm to meet artists Sam Prekop and Michael Sieben and wander with them through their exhibition of creative work. Only displayed until mid January, the artists’ latest collections showcase strategic restraint beside an ironically optimistic freestyle slant.

Followers of The Sea and Cake will recognize Prekop’s distinct artistic style considering he handpainted the covers on their last album. Much like his band, Prekop’s artwork is widely acclaimed and utterly unique, a combination of drawings, paintings, and photographs.

Austinist had a chance to sit down with Prekop earlier in the week to learn more about the relationship between his painting and music. Prekop says, “I also definitely feel that either would be really different without the other, so they’re necessary for me to do both and it would change my outlook profoundly if I didn’t do one or the other.”

Like Prekop, Michael Sieben seamlessly combines several artistic outlets to create an alternative perspective. Frankly, Austin is damn lucky to have him roaming our town creating significant work. A noted illustrator and designer in the skateboarding sphere, as well as founding member of Okay Mountain Gallery/Collective and writer/illustrator for Thrasher Magazine and Vice.com, Sieben has an impressive background.

The characters Sieben creates are articulately described as “bear[ing] the weight of (some very heavy) experience, but maintain[ing] an almost ridiculous optimism in the face of disaster and absurdity.” Many of whom can be found in his book titled: There's Nothing Wrong With You (Hopefully).