Karmaloop Ikon: Paper Frank

This kid has really got something. Paper Frank, a 24 year old Atlanta based artist has started something of a cult-ish following surrounding his candy-colored, energetic art style.

 

But this cartoonish surrealism was born from a much darker place. Frank 'Paper' Dunson uses his art to express his feelings, which aren't as rose-hued as you might imagine them to be based on his child-like work. Dunson had an unstable childhood and a kid sister to help care for, so he created an alter-ego named Damien and his sister Jessica, who both appear in most of his art works from the recent exhibition entitled, Pink Lemonade.

 

 

While Paper Frank is clearly in a much better place now then when he was a child, he still struggles with the notoriety of being a well respected and recognizable artist. Because of his past he is sometimes anti-social, he once spent an entire 6 months being mute while in a deep depression after he graduated high school and failed to score an apprenticeship with an Atlanta based tattoo and art gallery called City Of Ink. But because his habit was to keep his emotions bottled up for so long, they would eventually lead to a "stream-of-conscious" art style that looked like anime-inspired explosions on the canvas.

 

 

Today, Frank actually has a job tattooing for City Of Ink, but he spends most of his time painting in his home studio and partnering with brands like NEFF to create new murals and works of art in various spaces around the country. He throws impromptu art showings and often sells out of all his art, and with pieces going for prices up to 5 figures, that's not a bad gig!

 

 

So Frank, what are you currently working on?
A few large projects with nationwide retailers and a lot of local Atlanta businesses, but I'm mainly focused on my next solo exhibit “Blossom” in January 2015 which will be a 2d / 3d installation in 2 galleries.

 

Who or what are some sources of inspiration for you?
The people around me, trends, EMOTIONS, life.

 

Who or what inspires your fashion style?
Japanese Greasers.

 

 

In your opinion, what is the most important wardrobe item?
Pants or jeans. The way a person’s bottoms fit can tell a lot about them.

 

Tell us 3 words to describe your current fashion style.
Black. Black. Black.

 

What trend do you think should come back in style?
Slouch socks.

 

 

What is the definition of a bae?
Bacon and eggs.

 

What do you consider your biggest challenge AND biggest win this year?
My biggest challenge has been learning to turn some work or projects down. My biggest win this year was buying "Destiny" on Xbox 1.

 

What 3 Karmaloop brands would you want some gear from for the holidays?
BBC. Vans. Huf. The usual!

 

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