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Silkscreen
18” x 24” (22” x 28” Framed)
Johnny Rutledge is a figurative and narrative-driven printmaker whose work emphasizes accessibility by blending classical compositions with modern iconography. His pieces frequently uplift the working class while offering poignant commentary on contemporary social issues. As the lead visual creative with the non-profit Artstillery, Johnny has designed immersive sets, utilized projection mapping, and helped capture the oral histories of marginalized communities to transform them into powerful live performances. He is also the founder of Art X Happens, an open community event that brings visual artists together to share work, discuss their craft, and find mentors or collaborators. Johnny holds a BFA in Filmmaking from UT Arlington and is a proud graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas.
Artist Statement:
"This is a very dramatic poster for a comedy. It looks more like a murder mystery than a kid's movie, but for an eight-year-old me, Pee-wee’s lost bike was a tragedy. When you're young, having your bike stolen feels like the end of the world. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure perfectly captured that intensity, becoming my most-watched film as a kid. Pee-wee’s world felt safe—a place that welcomed big emotions, pure silliness, and cross-dressing. The film was dramatic and heartbreaking; I felt true sorrow when Pee-wee missed seeing his bike on the truck right behind him, and absolute thrill when he danced on the bar to win over a room full of bikers.
Pee-wee’s unapologetic expression of personality in the face of life's ups and downs gave me permission to be myself. He kept making big mistakes, but through it all, he remained bright, loud, and deeply caring. Later, when Pee-wee’s Playhouse hit television, it was pure magic—like watching the movie expand by a chapter every single Saturday morning. To this day, the kids I grew up with can quote the entire Large Marge speech by heart. I’m not entirely sure what Pee-wee did to our generation, but I know it was a beautiful thing."
Silkscreen
18” x 24” (22” x 28” Framed)
Johnny Rutledge is a figurative and narrative-driven printmaker whose work emphasizes accessibility by blending classical compositions with modern iconography. His pieces frequently uplift the working class while offering poignant commentary on contemporary social issues. As the lead visual creative with the non-profit Artstillery, Johnny has designed immersive sets, utilized projection mapping, and helped capture the oral histories of marginalized communities to transform them into powerful live performances. He is also the founder of Art X Happens, an open community event that brings visual artists together to share work, discuss their craft, and find mentors or collaborators. Johnny holds a BFA in Filmmaking from UT Arlington and is a proud graduate of the Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts in Dallas.
Artist Statement:
"This is a very dramatic poster for a comedy. It looks more like a murder mystery than a kid's movie, but for an eight-year-old me, Pee-wee’s lost bike was a tragedy. When you're young, having your bike stolen feels like the end of the world. Pee-wee’s Big Adventure perfectly captured that intensity, becoming my most-watched film as a kid. Pee-wee’s world felt safe—a place that welcomed big emotions, pure silliness, and cross-dressing. The film was dramatic and heartbreaking; I felt true sorrow when Pee-wee missed seeing his bike on the truck right behind him, and absolute thrill when he danced on the bar to win over a room full of bikers.
Pee-wee’s unapologetic expression of personality in the face of life's ups and downs gave me permission to be myself. He kept making big mistakes, but through it all, he remained bright, loud, and deeply caring. Later, when Pee-wee’s Playhouse hit television, it was pure magic—like watching the movie expand by a chapter every single Saturday morning. To this day, the kids I grew up with can quote the entire Large Marge speech by heart. I’m not entirely sure what Pee-wee did to our generation, but I know it was a beautiful thing."