Roq La Rue: A Quarter Century of Pop Surrealism Adventure

By Prue Penning

Nestled in the heart of Seattle's Madison Valley, Roq La Rue Gallery has been a vibrant hub of artistic expression for 25 years. This beacon of pop surrealism has captivated art enthusiasts with its unique blend of beauty and intrigue. What began as an audacious experiment has now evolved into a leading purveyor of pop surrealism in the nation.

On any given Saturday night, the gallery buzzes with artists, art lovers, and students, all united by their shared love for this distinctive art form. The atmosphere is electric, with wine flowing and a DJ spinning tunes, as they gather to celebrate the gallery's 25th year under the stewardship of Kirsten Anderson.

Anderson's passion for art that is "technically excellent" and "fantastical in some ways" has been the driving force behind the gallery's success. She has a particular fondness for art that straddles the line between magic realism and a darker bent, yet always maintains an element of beauty. This is not a place for the gruesome or macabre, but rather for art that might just have the power to disturb dreams.

Roq La Rue's journey began in the 90s, providing a platform for underground artists inspired by diverse influences such as comics and Tiki culture. Anderson recalls how the art was initially labeled as 'low brow', a term that some artists felt was derogatory given the immense effort they put into their work. In response, Anderson coined the term "pop surrealism", and literally wrote the book on the rise of underground art. This term has since gained respect and recognition in the mainstream art scene.

The gallery has been instrumental in launching the careers of many artists. Travis Louie, known for his imaginative world where creatures pose in Victorian outfits, had his first gallery exhibition at Roq La Rue in 2006. His art has since graced museums from Paris to Wyoming.

Seattle artist Kari-Lise Alexander, whose paintings beautifully blend flora with the female form, considers it a "huge privilege" to exhibit at Roq La Rue. Her work, such as "Break Through", which depicts flowers blooming from a woman's severed arm, leaves interpretation up to the viewer, adding to the allure and mystery.

Another rising star, Ben Ashton, paints mind-bending portraits of distressed aristocrats, adding a touch of humor to the gallery's collection. Anderson finds his work "quite funny", further illustrating the gallery's adventurous spirit. Roq La Rue may not be for everyone, with its art that leans towards the darkness. But for the past 25 years, it has catered to clients with a certain taste, often inspiring first-time buyers to make a purchase. As Anderson puts it, "It's amazing to me how often somebody comes in and says I've never bought a painting before, but I have to have that." So, if you're ready for an art adventure, step into the world of Roq La Rue. Here, you'll find a gallery that's not just about selling art, but about stirring emotions, challenging perceptions, and above all, celebrating the power of pop surrealism.