A violent battle between good and evil featuring bubble-headed characters and monstrous lizard overlords seeking world domination — we could be talking about the forthcoming elections, but no. Exodus is the second part of David Jien‘s impressive epic futuristic narrative in which humans and anthropomorphised animal creatures are locked in battle with alien foes. I’m sorry to report that, judging by the scene Jien has created as the title piece of the series, the earthlings seem to be fleeing. A dispiriting development indeed.

The Los Angeles artist’s centrepiece is his most ambitious work to date, and is joined by further drawings and sculptures of some of the characters contained within his fantasy world. Childhood influences are strongly evident in Jien’s work; the geometry of side-scrolling Nintendo platformers (and some retro-futurist graphics), the building blocks of LEGO, and an obsession with animals and monsters all shine through, along with some more mature references to Japanese erotic literature and Manga illustrations. The former graffiti artist’s show is on display at Richard Heller Gallery, Santa Monica, until 2 May.

David Jien
Bad Boy Coming Thru!, 2014
8.5 x 11 Inches,
Color pencil and graphite on paper

David Jien
Merciless Moon, 2014,
8.5 x 11 Inches,
Color pencil, graphite, mother of pearl veneer,
and silver leaf on paper

David Jien
Mobb deep: Drop a gem on ’em, 2014
11 x 17 Inches,
Color pencil, gouache, graphite
and holographic film on paper

David Jien
My mind playing tricks on me, 2014
8.5 x 11 Inches,
Color pencil, gouache and graphite on paper

David Jien
Uncle Willies Dip N Slip, 2012,
11 x 17 Inches,
Color pencil, graphite, gouache
and holographic film on paper

© The Artist
Courtesy, Richard Heller Gallery