A talented artist is revolutionizing the way we view pop culture art by combining traditional portrait sketches with elaborate, custom-designed frames that become integral parts of each artwork. Jayson Weidel's innovative new exhibition, "Shadowboxers: Round 1," showcases 28 handcrafted pieces that elevate simple character portraits into spectacular themed displays through the strategic use of color, matting, and intricate frame design.
The exhibition features iconic character matchups from across popular culture, including classic confrontations like Steamboat Mickey versus Pete, Sub Zero versus Scorpion from Mortal Kombat, Mario versus Bowser, Dutch versus Predator, Bart Simpson versus Moe, Pee Wee Herman versus Francis, Peter Parker versus J. Jonah Jameson, and Wampa versus Luke Skywalker. Each piece typically contains two sketch cards set against painted backdrops within custom frames that range from complex, elaborate designs to more subtle, refined presentations.
"If I've never heard of the character, I won't draw them," Weidel explained in a press release. "Every piece is born from my own memory—something I loved, laughed at, or obsessed over. This is a visual tomb of everything I've ever geeked out over." This personal connection to the subject matter ensures that each artwork carries authentic emotional resonance with both the artist and viewers who share similar pop culture experiences.
The exhibition will debut on Monday, September 8, from 4 to 9 p.m. ET at the Miamisburg Art Gallery on Main Street in Miamisburg, Ohio. For fans unable to attend the physical exhibition, Weidel will make the entire show available online at his website, www.oo-de-lally.com, where visitors can view the complete collection and make purchases if they choose.
In addition to the 28 framed pieces, the show will feature 60 individual, original sketch cards sold in sets of two. While these cards remain unframed, they offer collectors access to even more characters from Weidel's extensive repertoire of beloved pop culture figures. The artist's concept challenges traditional notions of framing by making the frame itself an integral component of the artwork rather than merely a decorative border.
To commemorate the exhibition, Weidel is also releasing a companion book titled "Shadowboxers: Round 1," which includes process shots and final images of every piece in the show, along with detailed documentation of the concept's development. The "Round 1" designation is intentional, as the artist is already developing plans for a second installation, suggesting this innovative approach to pop culture art will continue to evolve.
The exhibition represents a unique approach to pop culture art where the traditional boundaries between artwork and presentation are deliberately blurred. By incorporating the frame as an essential element of each piece, collectors receive a complete artistic experience without the need to source separate framing solutions. This integration of portrait and presentation creates what Weidel describes as getting "a little extra bang for your buck" while delivering a more cohesive artistic vision.
