The artistic style known as pop surrealism is often referred to as “lowbrow” art. The tongue-in-cheek description was coined by Robert Williams in the late 1970s after his work was turned away by legitimate art institutions in Los Angeles.

Williams’ self-deprecation spawned from frustration for not being taken seriously, as opposed to his “highbrow” contemporaries, and artists who subscribe to the pop surrealism style continue to take ownership in the label with rebellious pride.

Ironically, perhaps, there is a strong market for this type of art, even in Columbus. Rivet Gallery has sustained pop surrealists for more than a year and a half, nearly 50 local, national and international artists.

Owner Laura Kuenzli admits she took a risk by bringing such a specific niche to the Columbus gallery scene, but says she has had a good response thus far. Rivet is part toy retailer and part gallery, which attracts the gamut of patrons and is loosely based on similar stores in Chicago, San Francisco, New York and Los Angeles.

“I like to think there is something here for everyone. There are nice, unique gifts and a different style of art than what most people are probably used to seeing,” Kuenzli says. “Some question the validity of this niche, some can’t wrap their minds around it. But it’s just like other kinds of art – it’s in the eye of the beholder and whatever is in your heart.”

Kuenzli says pieces in this style can sell anywhere from $50 to $60,000.

“It’s certainly just as serious as other art when it comes to what collectors will pay,” she says.

Rivet features art in a wide variety of media – drawings, paintings, clay, and more. Most of the pieces are whimsical or cartoonish with a strong figurative focus. Some are dark and heavy on the street culture or comic book influence. There are fun and unpretentious paintings, and there are mysterious and narrative collectible toys.

Kuenzli began collecting pop surrealist art about six years ago, originally becoming interested after the release of the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas. When she moved back to Columbus in 2005 after eight years in Florida, she noticed there was a shortage of this art style.

“I thought that was weird considering it is very creative and inspiring, especially for illustrators, students and graphic designers,” Kuenzli says. “And I think it’s nice to look at something different every now and then, something that’s not a landscape painting or pottery. Not that there is anything wrong with those genres, but it helps the overall artistic presence of Columbus to have diversity.”

Kuenzli opened Rivet Gallery in June 2007 at 1200 N. High St. and features a new show every month. She hopes to develop a broader gallery presence by bringing in more local and international artists and separating the retail space from the gallery. Her biggest goal, however, is to expose more people to this relatively new form of art.

“I think this art really pushes the parameters of imagination. It’s creative and inspiring,” Kuenzli says. “I think this style really grabs at something inside of you from your inner child.”

For more information on the artists at Rivet Gallery and their work, visit www.rivetart.com.  

Alicia Kelso is editor of CityScene.