August 2023 Vol. 87

Cover Artist: Honor Titus

Since his first solo exhibition in 2019, he has quickly garnered international recognition for his painting practice, which weaves together a surreal, expressive iconography with references drawn variously from literature, art history, music, architecture and American advertising traditions.  Born in Brooklyn, New York in 1989, Titus came to prominence in the New York punk rock scene in the early 2010s as the lead singer of the band Cerebral Ballzy. At this time, Titus also became known for his poetry through independent readings in New York City, where he became associated with the artist Raymond Pettibon, who provided the cover art for Cerebral Ballzy’s first album. Titus began working in Pettibon’s studio, where he assisted in painting and developed an interest in stylized graphic art. Later, the artist Henry Taylor also mentored Titus and gave him his first solo exhibition, introducing him to the Los Angeles contemporary art landscape.