Aaron Young: Burn Rubber

Aaron Young reflects on the motorcycle action paintings that brought him art world fame, and discusses the development of his work in a new film from director Matt Black’s Reflections series. Whether applying bleaching detergent products to Old Glory or burning paint off metallic boards with screeching bike tires in his Arc Light performances, Young strips back his materials to a minimum in an aggressive yet poetic exploration of American iconography. Black was struck by both the intensity of Young and the breadth of his work. “There is a great energy and attitude to his art,” says the filmmaker. “It’s a pure exploration of America and masculinity—minimalism on steroids.” Born in San Francisco, Young originally trained in film but found it a restrictive medium. A move to New York saw Young become part of the experimental downtown rock and art scene with friend Dash Snow, and he has since exhibited internationally with Gagosian gallery. Currently showing at The Company in Los Angeles, Young is also part of James Franco’s REBEL exhibition at LA’s MOCA alongside Ed Ruscha, Paul and Damon McCarthy, Harmony Korine and Douglas Gordon.

Aaron Young’s No Fucking Way at The Company gallery in LA runs to June 23.