Armando Soria's Gonzo Hip Hop Surrealism

Armando Soria's intricate gonzo surrealism presents an alternate universe of undulating mindscapes that leaves the viewer slightly uncomfortable - as any good art should do. Incorporating elements of 90's hip hop graffiti with comic book influences and the tradition of surrealist painting, Soria infuses a stimulating new style that we're excited to share with you at the opening of Hello World April 20th.

Hailing from the San Fernando Valley (CA), Soria grew up watching his cousins write graffiti and discovered painting in college, where he studied graphic design as a career move, but fell in love with painting on a fluke in an elective class. Fascinated by surrealism, the nascent artist spent weeks on end with his nose in Salvador Dalí books, and remains hooked on the style today.

"Surrealism offers such freedom. You're not limited by anything, and you can just create without worrying about the set up, the composition, the subject, the background, the landscape. If you want to include something, you just find a way to work it in. It's so much freedom," says Soria.

View Armando Soria's work up close and personal this April 20th at the opening of Hello World at The Service Station.