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Curator: Brandon Boyd

Profession: Artist and Lead Singer of Incubus

Website: http://www.brandonboydbooks.com

About The Curator

Born February 15, 1976, Brandon Boyd grew up in Calabasas, California. In 1991 he began singing and writing song lyrics for what would become the multi-platinum selling and internationally recognized rock band, Incubus. Twenty years later, the band recently released their seventh studio album entitled, If Not Now, When? and are currently on an extensive world tour.

Finding creative expression at an early age, Brandon often carried sketchbooks and notepads, and though he was never formally trained, over the years he has developed his young habit into an inextricable part of his life. Brandon is the author of two books combining his artwork and creative writing: White Fluffy Clouds (2003) and From the Murks of the Sultry Abyss (2007). In 2008, Ectoplasm, his first exhibit of visual works, received international acclaim, and several of his original paintings are currently held in private collections.
A firm believer in the opportunity to “give back,” Brandon is involved with many organizations and charitable causes, and in 2003 along with his Incubus band mates, founded the 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, The Make Yourself Foundation, which has raised over 1.4 million dollars for various philanthropic causes both locally and around the world.

Combining these worlds of music, art, and activism, Brandon collaborated with Hurley last April, creating a gallery-space mural and a series of original t-shirt designs in an effort to raise awareness about single use plastics and their harmful effects on the ocean. Parts of the mural and other pieces from the collaboration have been on display at LACMA and The Museum of Monterey.

About The Collection

On Mannequin by Brian Bowen Smith: "Brian has been one of my best friends in the world for over 13 years. He was the first real photographer to come on the road with Incubus, and really believe in us, too. I remember very specifically when he did this piece. He was, rightfully so, quite proud of it. Because he had used materials that were just strewn about his garage. Save for the statuesque woman, of course. Love this piece!"

On Untitled by Marcel Dzama: "I enjoy the strangeness and the mood of this piece. It's almost as if she is picking an outfit per her mood. Oh how I could use a closet full of heads to suit a day in the life on tour."

On Untitled (American Morning) by Poppy de Villeneuve: "Poppy's image here reminds me of an hour of the day that I rarely see anymore. I used to rise quite early and surf almost every day and bask in the stillness of the AM. It's as if the world belongs to only you and moments of solace and quietude are gifts from the Universe. This piece brings that back to me..."

Curator Q&A

1. When did you first realize you wanted to be an artist?
I've been drawing since I can remember. I think I made the decision to "be" an artist when I was about 14 or so. Which meant, at that ripe age, starting to be ok with being broke and doing it for the process.
2. Who’s your favorite artist?
I have many! But one that is continually influential is Aubrey Beardsley. I love the line work and his illicit regality.
3. If not yourself, who would you want to be?
A Brandon Boyd impersonator. Or! The guy at swimsuit photo shoots that applies body oil to the models/sand wiper offer. Too ambitious?
4. What’s your motto or favorite quote?
My favorite quote (today) is, "What a strange illusion it is to suppose that beauty is goodness." –Leo Tolstoy
5. Who or what was your first love?
My first love was candy. First memory too. She was huge, round, rainbow-spiraled and lived just out of my reach on a candy cart at Disneyland. Shit, story of my life.