Trademark © GARY BASEMAN on the attached panel; inscribed Baseman and APPortfolio; numbered 180/300

Catalogue Note:
“Cute and scary, Ahwroo bears his snaggle-toothed grin to express his want of attention. If he does not get it, he just might scratch and draw some blood.”

Appearing seemingly dangerous and violent, Ahwroo does not cause discomfort to the audience. It rather reflects the artist’s observation of life’s experiences and love for every story of life, whether it is a beautiful or imperfect one, and shapes it as a memory into art. In his world, Baseman expresses many unspeakable feelings, irrational emotions, and repressed impulses. Even his beloved kitty Blackie also appears in this unique world. Cats have also been the main inspiration for the creation of Ahwroo. Baseman distorted their endless desire for love and attention into a vicious beast.

Unlike many artists, Baseman creates works oppressed by negative emotions, such as hatred, sadness, and greed. Such negative imagery also contains positive emotions with bright and warm feelings, such as love, care, and forgiveness. Amongst such seemingly conflicting imagery, the warmth of the created image eliminates all negative emotions and a unique artistic style unexpectedly causes many resonances. The adult world may seem complicated and chaotic, as show his works, but do not forget to maintain a pure and childish look, face yourself and your surroundings, accept negative emotions that might not be perfect, and let his characters take away all negative emotions, allow good things come to you, and turn them into a smile.