At Least MGMT Got Something Right

This post is dedicated to the contemporary artist Anthony Ausgang. I discovered his work when all the hype surrounding MGMT's latest release, "Congratulations," was swirling about. For better or worse, the cover, which Ausgang designed, turned out to be the most fruitful component of that entire creative venture.

Ausgang is influenced by an intriguing array of sources. Hot-rod car culture, specifically the animated rodent cartoon character Rat Fink, and his mother's love of high-art forms like the symphony and classic European fine art were impactful to Ausgang. Looking at his stuff, it's clear to see where and how his ideas were formed. His work is bright, full of movement, and psychedelic. While most of his product is blatantly cartoonish it is still articulately crafted, and Ausgang quite clearly puts significant thought and effort into his paintings.

Also reflective of his diverging artistic influences, Ausgang uses both old- and new-school media. He begins the design process on his computer and then finishes the work on an easel with paint. The result is eye-catching, unique, and mind-bending (see "Congratulations" album art above).