“I Love You, Ok?” released last month, showcases one of illustration’s most original stars. Inspired by vintage comics and period advertisements, Gary Taxali tweaks conventional styling and context to cast light on life’s constant paradoxes. Life, love, consumer frenzy, or just that longing for something else – Taxali covers all the bases. Creating vibrant images with consummate skill, his work is bold and evocative. Whether adolescent obsessions or middle-aged angst, Taxali delves into the desires and preoccupations that make us human with his signature and distinctive pop culture style and iconography.

Taxali’s second monograph, “Mono Taxali” officially releasing September 27, 2011 contains many of Taxali’s fine artwork and is a vivid, timeless, nostalgic and a stunning pop culture homage for anyone who is a Taxali fan.

Both books are being released at a launch event at the Art Gallery of Ontario on Wednesday September 21, 2011 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. See the AGO Art Matters Blog here for more info on the event. To RSVP: email  rsvp@garytaxali.com or via the Facebook Event Page.

If you can’t make it out to Toronto, 1xRUN has teamed up with Gary to bring you a special package deal: 1 signed copy of “I LOVE YOU, OK?” and a signed “CHUMP PUNCH” Gocco print! This exclusive duo is rolled together for $99 and drops one day before the AGO signing event. Stay tuned…