Today, one of those artists, Southern California graphic designer Joshua Vides, 35, is stealing the thunder. His unique vision of automotive subject matter consistently engages both art collectors and car aficionados. Now, Vides has gained a following of hundreds of thousands of people online who appreciate his ambitious and original work. He turns his interest in Y2K-era films into influences in his signature artistic style, “Reality to Idea.” This method makes classic cars come alive as beautiful 2D works of art. Sometimes it requires thousands of hours of detailed craftsmanship.
Vides finds and procures vintage automobiles in working condition, stripping them of their original paint jobs to create a blank canvas. He intricately coats these vehicles in white acrylic paint and painstakingly paints black details in order to give life to his genius, larger-than-life vision. His newest creations center on an unmistakable 1995 26-foot stretch limousine. He features a 1991 Honda CBR 1000RR motorcycle, each creation teeming with his artistic energy and love of storytelling through his artistic process.
His show-stopping limo takes his cue from Kevin McCallister, the character that Macaulay Culkin played in “Home Alone 2”. A very daring tribute to a favorite movie character! Vides purchased the very boxy, white, stretched-out Chevy for $3,000. He then pumped some $7,000 in renovations and sold it for a whopping return on the initial investment of purchase and renovation.
“I don’t just paint any car — I need to have a special connection to each car that I paint,” he remarked, emphasizing the personal significance behind each project. His practice is not just focused on making beautiful things, but on creating narrative and a sense of place.
Transforming the motorcycle was no less intensive. Vides spent $2000 to buy a 1991 Honda. He then committed two torturous 12-hour shifts to sand down its original eye-searing, chili-pepper red color. The whole undertaking took upwards of 168 hours to paint, using almost ten gallons of black-and-white paint.
After that, I painted the panels white (which served as a primer too, let that dry for 24 hours, and then painted the black details on and let dry. In his talk, he shared insights into his process, which is equally methodical as it is creative.
His latest show, Check Engine Light, was located in New York City’s West Village. It took place from May 1st to May 6th, at 16 Morton St. The event encouraged visitors to explore his art in a completely new way. They might even climb in and out of the cars and trucks to film eye-popping content.
“People can sit inside and get a photo or video,” he said, highlighting the interactive nature of his installations.
Developing complex works often poses challenges as well. Vides is committed to pleasing himself first, not the outside world. “I don’t stress about success or having a certain amount of people to come to my show,” he stated. Then again, what’s more important is that I’m pleased with the work I do get to show off. If artists enjoy it, that’s sort of a bonus.
His method reaffirms the idea that commercial viability isn’t the most important thing, personal fulfillment is. Vides has established an interesting niche by merging fashion, automotive design and graphic art. This unique blend allows him to celebrate his artistic creativity while paying tribute to the vehicles that can’t help but inspire him.
“I’m really fortunate to tell stories through my art,” he said, encapsulating the essence of his creative journey. Each piece he produces, whether it be artistic or commercial, reaffirms the mastery of his craft. It weaves together a story that touches viewers emotionally, beautifully, spiritually, and morally.
Joshua Vides is the creative underdog who’s redefining the line between automotive design and graphic street art. He is unapologetically committed to his craft and artistry. He takes these mangled junkers and creates stunning colorful 2D likenesses. Beyond providing an intriguing glimpse into Eric’s artistic talent, this creative project calls attention to the perennial appeal of vintage automobiles.
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