I’m trying something new this time around and every month I will do an artist highlight. I’ve met some talented and inspiring artists along the way and most of them have helped me in more ways than they know. These blogs could very easily be about me but I don’t want that. I’m about helping and building community and one way that I want to do this is by shining a light on artists in any niche/genre.
Today, I’m shining a light on Minneapolis’ own and retro pop artist, Amanda Wirig. Let me share my two cents about Amanda. If you haven’t come across her work before and enjoy pop art, she is someone to follow and support. I enjoy pop art, especially retro art, and if I could make art like this, I would. She’s not only a painter but also a musician in her band, Given Names.
Ok…time to get to know a little something about Amanda!
Amanda’s brief bio. I’m a visual artist and musician living and working in Minneapolis. I studied Art and Music at Minnesota State University, Mankato, and later went back for my Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Leadership. I’m a practicing painter, mixed media artist, public artist, teaching artist, gallery owner, and guitarist/vocalist in the band Given Names.
What is your art style and mediums you enjoy using? I work primarily in a retro Pop Art style, using acrylic paint and mixed media to create my work. I also create public art projects that are primarily hand-painted, and my mural work incorporates a new-ish method of painting on primed Polytab, or parachute cloth, which is then adhered to the building after the artwork is complete.
Where do you find your inspiration? I’ve always said that I was born in the wrong era, because much of the inspiration for my work comes from mid-century influences—pop culture, advertising, comic books, design, etc. Being a musician as well, I am also heavily influenced by the music I love and the culture around it, whether that be playing in a band or scouring record shops for that elusive record needed for my collection.
Your pop art designs are vivid and comical but also addresses political and social issues. Can you share your thoughts and what this means to you? I love the fact that the humor in my work makes it easier to tackle serious socio-economical issues without alienating the viewer. We live in such a divisive society, and that has become especially apparent during the last few years. Humor has a way of breaking down the walls we put up to others around us and opens the channels of communication in a way that seriousness cannot.
You have participated in many exhibitions nationally and internationally. Are there any upcoming exhibitions that we should be aware of for your next showing? My next exhibition will be the group Members’ Exhibition at the White Bear Center for the Arts in White Bear Lake, MN, a suburb of St. Paul, from Nov. 13 to Jan. 17.
Where can we find you? My website is amandawirig.com, and I’m also on Facebook (Amanda Wirig Retro Art), X (@AmandaWirig), Instagram and Threads (@amandawirig), and TikTok (@amandawirig). My gallery’s website is 119northweatherly.com.
When I see Amanda’s paintings, I can’t help but to smile. She’s right, bringing humor in her art to address socio-economical issues is helpful. I have to say that one of my favorites is the Super Man and Wonder Woman painting with WW’s think bubble “I’m so unsatisfied”. This makes me think that relationships are hard work, take TONS of patience and unfortunately someone, if not both partners, start to feel some dissatisfaction after a while. As for being born in the wrong era - a part of me hasn’t left the 80s and 90s.
Please check out her art and music!
Thanks Amanda!