Andreas Claussen, the lonely astronaut artist, has added a new volume to his FLOOD book series! Fans, like us, are eager to find out where the flamingo floaty will take us next. FLOOD VOL. 1 and FLOOD VOL. 2 compile an incredible breadth of Claussen’s creativity, simply brimming with visual stimuli and narrative. The artist’s history painting seascapes emerges in the fluency of his markmaking ability. A lightly dripping sky may sprinkle into choppy impasto waves leaving just a hint of the horizon. Such subtle transitions strike a sharp contrast against our spirited orange spaceman. Through thoughtful titles, yet another layer is added to his riveting imagery. These titles become tools to provoke thought, incite laughter, or help us remember that amidst misfortune it’s critical to be optimistic.
Our protagonist is an anonymous, post-apocalyptic space traveler coming home to an inundated earth. Equipped with animal floaties, water guns, and lots of literal garbage he makes the most of it one day at a time. In a world where signs point to nowhere, sweet treats are a lost memory, and mushroom clouds break the horizon, Claussen reminds us it can always get worse. He’s developed a unique ability to translate today’s ordinary comforts into scenes of captivating nostalgia.
FLOOD VOL 1
Published in 2022, VOL. 1 is 106 pages filled with 25 unique works. Readers open to an intro written by Elizah Leigh of Beautiful Bizarre Magazine. Her illustrative language seamlessly sweeps us into the mental space of our astronaut, preparing us for the eccentric paintings ahead. Each page brings readers deeper into the watery world of Claussen’s imagination. The artist also contributes a message in the book which reads as a call to action with a genuine optimism for the good in humanity. Claussen’s refreshingly upbeat twist on an unclear future is a prophecy as much as it is a parody.
“It would be great if people are optimistic about the future after seeing my paintings. But it is also okay if they just make people laugh about something dark so it becomes a bit more bearable.“
– Andreas Claussen
FLOOD VOL 2
Published in 2024, this latest installation is 116 pages containing 28 paintings and an intro written by the artist. The amusing scenes he delivers live in a global warming dystopia but Claussen is ultimately cheerful in his outlook. He first levels with us that it is unlikely for a flood to occur that could cover the entire world based on facts of natural science. However, he does later joke about strategic forward-looking investors getting an ocean view before the shore arrives. Readers gain both peace of mind to enjoy the following artworks and awareness of just how relevant they are. FLOOD VOL 2 also gives us glimpses of his colorful rough sketches and intricate digital renderings. His art succeeds in making viewers feel a range of emotions while prompting people to deeply consider the present and the future. Engaging yet polarizing, Claussen’s fresh and fun works command attention.
An exciting part of having his books in the gallery with us is that some of the works are still available from us. Seeing his artworks in the context of the FLOOD series is quite an experience just made more exciting when the actual painting is on view. The cherry on top is that when you purchase a Claussen painting at the gallery the book is a free added gift!
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Principle Gallery 