Paint the DJ

Justin Bua has an instantly recognizable style that merges the kinetic playfulness of graffiti art, the careful detail of classical art and the skewed perspectives of cubism into what has come to be known as "Distorted Urban Realism." His best-known painting is "The DJ," which depicts a young man working...

By Jesse Hughey

June 26, 2009

[
        {
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Inline Content - Mobile Display Size",
          "component": "18855504",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "17105533",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - MediumRectangle - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105532",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "18349797",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Air - Leaderboard Tower - Combo - Inline Content",
          "component": "17105535",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Justin Bua has an instantly recognizable style that merges the kinetic playfulness of graffiti art, the careful detail of classical art and the skewed perspectives of cubism into what has come to be known as "Distorted Urban Realism." His best-known painting is "The DJ," which depicts a young man working a pair of turntables, head cocked to listen through headphones with his eyes blissfully closed. Hip-hop isn't his only muse, though, as his paintings of poets, jazz musicians, bluesmen and everyday people are equally inspired. If you're not familiar with his portraits, though, you may at least have seen his work on EA Sports videogames NBA Street and NFL Street or the opening sequence to MTV's Lyricist Lounge. More than 30 Bua artworks will be displayed 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays or by appointment through August 31 at The 4th Wall Gallery, 2925 Fairmount St. Call 214-740-9401 or visit the4thwallgallery.net. Also, check the Q&A archives of the Dallas Observer's music blog, DC-9 at Night, for a June 19 interview with the artist.
Tuesdays-Saturdays. Starts: June 23. Continues through Aug. 31, 2009

Become A Member

BEFORE YOU GO...
Can you help us continue to share our stories? Since the beginning, Dallas Observer has been defined as the free, independent voice of Dallas — and we'd like to keep it that way. Our members allow us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls.