Leading Lowbrow Local

Psychedelic punk, narrative noir, or pop Surrealism, whatever you call it, lowbrow art is an irreverent pop culture phenomenon that remains largely ignored by the traditionally highbrow art crowd.

"Local galleries have pretty much failed to support us," says Francesco LoCastro, local painter and curator of "Parallel Universe," which opens at Rectangle Artspace December 2. The show enjoyed a huge success during Art Basel 2004 and promises once again to shine a spotlight on the underground art scene that's taking Miami by storm.

Boasting more than 100 works of lowbrow art, the group show features the creations of 40 artists from the United States and Europe, including Space Invader, DAIM, Gary Baseman, Michael Hussar, Robert Craig, and Mars-1. Check out the contributions of several South Florida artists, such as Skot Olsen, Jonathan Postal, Sas and Colin Christian, and Francesco LoCastro.

Formerly of Objex Artspace — the pioneer Wynwood space — the talented Italian-born LoCastro began curating group showings after the gallery's demise this past May, and he hasn't looked back.

"Things were stagnant at Objex; our following wasn't growing and the sales weren't happening. Since I've been doing these shows on my own, things have really picked up. Every show I get more collectors — not just young kids — and more established artists that want to exhibit with us."

LoCastro's recent "Culture Shock" exhibition at Pop Art Studios caught the attention of Claire Breukel, director of exhibitions for ArtCenter South Florida. Breukel was so impressed with the group show that ArtCenter has offered to host "Parallel Universe" during Art Basel 2006.