I Eat People: Children's Monster Art

“My nephew and I used to hang out and draw monsters,” says Sam Lopez, curator of the upcoming I EAT PEOPLE: Children's Monster Art exposition.

“He was probably 5 years old. He is a great artist and he drew a ton of these insane, horrible beasts. I thought about collecting his artwork and creating a fanzine. He even named it 'I Hate People'. Genius, huh? I then thought about exhibiting his art at a gallery. Unfortunately neither of these projects ever materialized.”

Years later, the idea has presented itself to Lopez again.

“I had some great connections via Stay Strange [Lopez’ experimental art and music series] and figured it would be great to bring the monster art project back to life. Ever since I was young I've been into monsters. I was the only kid in elementary school who knew what lycanthropy meant.”

Lopez says that watching his nephew create horrific beings was a huge inspiration for him.

“He's older now, but still making awesome art. Naturally, my son is also into monsters. He drew the ghastly monster on the submission flyer.”

Lopez appropriated the title of his nephew's zine into a more digestible “I Eat People: Children's Monster Art.”

“Children have a way of turning an old concept into a fresh one,” Lopez says.

“I'm in the process of accepting submissions so I'm very excited to see what radical artwork will be coming my way. All mediums accepted.”

Submissions can be sent to staystrangesandiego@yahoo.com.

I EAT PEOPLE: Children's Monster Art will be held at Space 4 Art (325 15th Street – East Village) on Saturday, November 16.