neonsandwich is hilarious. He has developed a new art form called “Pop-Taoism,” which incorporates ancient philosphies of Taoism with Popular Imagery. Seeing Ariel Sharon and Osama Bin Laden in meditation poses is a humbling experience.

Interview link is at bottom of post.
Check out his web store (under links) for all his merch, t-shirts, mugs, mouse pads, etc…

links:
Image Gallery
neonsandwich on MySpace
neonsandwich on Copious Magazine.com
neonsandwich web store

To read the interview LiveMtl did with neonsandwich follow the:

LiveMtl:What does Montreal mean to you?

neonsandwich:I was born in Montreal 34 years ago. This is first time I’ve lived in the city in over 25 years. Montreal is everything in my life. Aussi, je suis en train d’apprendre le français ici. C’est ma renaissance. I want people to look at the work of neonsandwich, Pop-Taoism, and reference Montreal at the same time. For me its a point of honor to learn French and promote this city.
Montreal is like a utopia with mismatched socks sometimes, but hell, socks do keep you warm.

LM:What is Pop-Taoism?
ns:Develop art based on cultural anthropology, specifically Far Eastern studies, and place it within a modern context of popular culture and current events. The interplay of Yin/Yang philosophy and formal study under a Taoist master are key to Pop-Taoism. However, All Asian motifs applied into a modern context can quite possibly be referred to as Pop-Taoism. For example, Japanese Zen flower arranging with auto parts would be considered Pop-Taoist in nature. It would be interesting to see what a graffiti artist trained in the art of classical Chinese calligraphy would be capable of accomplishing. It is my hope that more artists find Taoist teachers to help increase their skill and to resource this body of ancient kick-ass knowledge. Taoism is about eccentricity and discipline of craft at the same time. Yin and Yang.

LM:What are you currently working on?
ns:Well, the first major Pop-Taoism work is entitled Lotus33. Current and historical icons, such as Gandhi, are placed in traditional Taoist, Buddhist, or Tibetan meditation poses. Sometimes the poses are not orthodox such as the Bush Lotus. I really don’t think there is a lotus position that utilizes the middle finger like that. Its a special Texas meditation.

LM:Why a lower-case neonsandwich?
ns:Taoism teaches you that the philosophy is not about the individual it is about everyone together and balance. neonsandwich is a reflection of that.

LM:Where can Pop-Taoism be found?
Pop-Taoism 1? buttons can be found at Le Rock (17 Ste. Catherine E.,) Labyrinth (486 Ste-Catherine W.) and at Psychonaut Boutique Psychedelique (154 Prince Arthur E.)
*LM:Also on the online store (see links).

LiveMtl: what would you ask neonsandwich?
ns:In your opinion, what’s the next noticeable wave of art coming to the so-called Western World?
New Traditional Chinese artists will soon dominate the art world. They (and sometimes their lineage) are simply too good. Many of these people come from artist families that date back many hundreds of years. You also have to remember that these artists also had contact with the incredible Russian avant-garde world for a considerable amount of time. For every van Gogh we have, I think they have ten! If Modern Arts last resource is to worship the brushstroke then the master brushwork of Chinese painters will open the eyes of many western Modernists.