Funk Generations: From Canvas to the Big Screen in Beverly Hills Cop 4
I am beyond excited to share that my painting “Funk Generations” is featured in the recently released “Beverly Hills Cop 4 – Axel F”, which came out on July 3, 2024. Seeing my work in such a major film is a dream come true, and I am deeply honored to be part of this iconic series.
This year marks the twentieth anniversary of “Funk Generations”. The journey of this painting took an unexpected and thrilling turn in August 2022, when the producers of “Beverly Hills Cop 4” reached out to me about using my art as a set dressing for the film. At first, I thought it might be a scam, but after some research, I found out the offer was legitimate.
After verifying the information, I agreed to let them use “Funk Generations” in the movie. The very next day, the producers acquired the piece. For the past two years, I’ve kept this exciting news a secret, and I am now thrilled to reveal it to all of you.
“Funk Generations” – featuring Rock N’ Roll Hall of Fame inductee and Parliament Funkadelic singer and frontman, George Clinton – holds a vibrant and dynamic spirit, making it a perfect fit for the energetic and iconic world of “Beverly Hills Cop”. The inclusion of my artwork in this film is a testament to the timeless appeal and relevance of the piece, even twenty years after its creation.
Many heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me and my art. Your encouragement has been invaluable, and it’s moments like these that remind me of the incredible journey art can take us on.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and new projects on the horizon!
Warm regards,
Brian Zickafose
P.S. For a limited time get a Funk Generations all-over print t-shirt from our shop at the link HERE
“We can’t stop here, this is Bat Country.” – Hunter S. Thompson
I am thrilled to share my latest creation: the poster art for Eggy’s two-night Grateful Dead Sphere after parties at Brooklyn Bowl Las Vegas. This piece was an exciting challenge, blending iconic elements and artistic influences into a unique visual experience.
The artwork features a twisted Vegas panorama, reminiscent of the wild scenes from “Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas” by Hunter S. Thompson. At the center, you’ll find a striking figure inspired by Salvador Dalí’s “Birth of a New Man”. In a playful nod to the band, the new man emerges from within the Sphere in Las Vegas with various musical instruments, symbolizing rebirth and transformation.
This piece was meticulously crafted using silk screen 6-color inks on Cotton Candy stock by French Paper Company, ensuring vibrant colors and a high-quality finish. I’m incredibly proud of how it turned out and excited to share it with all of you.
Thank you to everyone who supported this project and Eggy’s unforgettable shows. Your enthusiasm and appreciation for my art mean the world to me.
Stay tuned for more exciting updates and new projects coming soon!
Warm regards,
Brian Zickafose
On May 17, 2024, I had the distinct honor of unveiling my latest mural, “The Gift”. The occasion was the 3rd annual Art Day in the Village, a celebration that beautifully showcased the local art community. This year’s event was particularly special as it marked the culmination of a journey that began last year.
“The Gift” was a project that started at the previous Art Day in the Village, and seeing it come full circle at this year’s event was deeply fulfilling. The dedication ceremony was a highlight of the day, made even more memorable by the presentation of the Wappinger Strong Community Award by Wappinger Town Supervisor, Joey Cavaccini. This award is a testament to the support and encouragement of our incredible community.
During the dedication, I made a heartfelt vow to create or facilitate 100 murals along the Hudson River. This ambitious project will see me partnering with artists, businesses, and local communities throughout the mid-Hudson Valley to beautify our surroundings with art. The goal is to transform public spaces and bring vibrant, creative expression to our region.
I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Village Board, building owner Elmi Berisha, Durants Tool Rentals for providing the lift, and Marc Snyder and Perry Kroeger for their invaluable assistance in bringing this project to life. The positive feedback from the community has been overwhelming, and I am grateful for every word of support and appreciation.
This mural stands as a symbol of our collective creative spirit and community strength. I am excited to embark on this new initiative and look forward to sharing more of my work with you in the future.
Thank you for being a part of this journey!
Warm regards,
Brian Zickafoose
One Fine Night :: All Infinite
Mischtechnik – Oil on Wood Panel
Brian Christopher Zickafoose
Step into the ethereal beauty of “One Fine Night :: All Infinite,” a captivating painting brought to life through the intricate Mischtechnik technique in 2022.
This artwork invites you to a world where the sublime and the infinite converge in a dance of colors and textures. The artist’s skillful use of Mischtechnik, a method combining various painting techniques, including oil, unveils a rich tapestry of emotions and atmospheres. Each brushstroke on the panel contributes to the creation of a scene that transcends time and space, capturing the essence of one fine night in an all-encompassing, infinite embrace.
Allow the interplay of light, shadow, and color to transport you into a realm where imagination knows no bounds. “One Fine Night :: All Infinite” is not merely a painting; it is a portal to a moment frozen in time, yet eternally alive with possibility and beauty. Embrace the magic of this masterpiece, a testament to the artist’s mastery and the boundless potential of artistic expression.
Embark on a visual odyssey with “It Was a Weird Night at Dragon’s Tooth,” a mesmerizing 36″ x 24″ x 2″ Oil Mischtechnik Painting on Panel, expertly crafted by Brian Christopher Zickafoose and completed in 2022.
This artwork takes you on a mercurial journey inspired by the Appalachian Trail, specifically the enigmatic Dragon’s Tooth Overlook near Roanoke, Virginia. Brian’s creative prowess brings to life a vivid portrayal of the surreal experiences encountered during nocturnal adventures in this mystical setting.
Drawing from profound spiritual encounters along the Appalachian Trail, “It Was a Weird Night at Dragon’s Tooth” is a testament to the artist’s intention—to capture the essence of self-exploration and the profound connection with the Creative Source inherent in the ineffable beauty of nature. Each brushstroke and color palette intricately weaves a narrative that invites viewers to delve into the complexities of the human spirit, mirroring the awe-inspiring intricacies of the natural world.
This captivating piece not only serves as a visual feast but also as a conduit for contemplation on the profound connection between the self and the sublime beauty of nature. Own a piece of this Appalachian-inspired masterpiece, a radiant expression of Brian Zickafoose’s artistic vision and spiritual exploration.
Since 2018, visionary artist Brian C. Zickafoose has been weaving his artistic magic into the fabric of the Mountain Music Festival at ACE Adventure Resort on the New River Gorge in West Virginia. This annual collaboration has become a cherished tradition, adding a vibrant visual dimension to the festival’s already dynamic atmosphere.
Harmony of Creativity and Nature
Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the New River Gorge, the Mountain Music Festival is a celebration of music, adventure, and the great outdoors. Brian’s collaboration with the festival began as an exploration of the intersection between creativity and nature, reflecting the festival’s core values.
A Tapestry of Festival Art
Each year, Brian unveils a new masterpiece, a visual symphony that captures the spirit and energy of the festival. From vibrant landscapes to psychedelic explorations, his festival art has become an integral part of the Mountain Music Festival experience. The canvas, like the festival itself, transforms into a living, breathing entity that resonates with the rhythm of the music and the pulse of the surroundings.
Immersive Live Art Experience
One of the highlights of this collaboration is the live art experience that Brian brings to the festival grounds. Festival-goers have the unique opportunity to witness the creation of a masterpiece in real-time. The festival becomes a canvas, and Brian, the conductor of colors, orchestrates a visual spectacle that unfolds alongside the live musical performances.
Community and Connection
The collaboration goes beyond the canvas. Brian’s art serves as a focal point for festival-goers, creating a sense of community and connection. It becomes a shared experience, a visual storytelling that encapsulates the memories, music, and magic of the Mountain Music Festival.
The Evolution Continues
As the collaboration enters its fifth year, the evolution of Brian’s festival art continues. Each stroke of the brush, each burst of color, adds a new layer to the ongoing story. It’s a testament to the symbiotic relationship between art and music, nature and creativity.
Join the Visual Journey
Whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or a first-timer, Brian C. Zickafoose’s festival art adds an extra layer of wonder to the Mountain Music Festival. Join us on this visual journey, where the New River Gorge becomes a canvas, and the spirit of the festival is etched into every brushstroke.
Stay tuned for updates and glimpses into the artistic process as we embark on another year of creativity, collaboration, and celebration at the Mountain Music Festival with Brian C. Zickafoose. The stage is set, the canvas awaits, and the journey continues to unfold. Let the artistry play on!