Jose Mertz's paintings and drawings are inspired by all kinds of things - Eastern philosophy, ancient South American tribes, impressionism, abstract expressionism, architecture and nature. And his colourful, dreamy style often involves crazy detail. These are no quick glance artworks, if you study them for a while, you'll see all kinds of hidden trickery.
Born in Queens, New York, 27-year-old Mertz has studied art consistently, has been given lots of awards, and has had his works exhibited all over the US and Canada. Already he's had features in New York Times, Time Out New York, The Village Voice, New York Cool, Format, XXL, the fabulous Wooden Toy, and heaps more; we're probably only going to see more and more of him. And we are all about it.
See more at
leemer.org where you can also check his blog; which, since reading, has kind of made me want to hang out with him.