A Moment in Time with an Art Legend

by Thomas Davis

Frank Kozik is widely accredited with single handedly reviving the "lost" art of the concert poster. He was born in 1962 in Madrid, Spain and moved to the United States at age 14. After moving to Austin, Texas when he was 19, Frank started promoting local Austin bands with telephone pole ads. From there he built a following and now Frank's art can be found on everything from checks to prints in the Smithsonian.

Looking at Frank's large historical portfolio, one can see a wealth of variety in subject and style. However, it has been said that Frank's art is "Shock Art," referring to the intense contrasting elements that appear in his a large portion of his work.

Davis: Would you consider the attempt to shock the viewer a part of your style?

Kozik: A little shock is necessary to draw and keep attention these days, just a little.

Davis: Can you comment on what you are trying to do to the viewer with highly contrasting elements like amputated children and killer childhood icons like the Flintstones and Yogi the bear?

Kozik: I'm just amusing myself really...and trying to NOT use a band photo. Sometimes they are inside jokes that the bands can appreciate. I was trying for novelty and the unexpected.

Frank has also done commercial advertisements for mainstream companies including BASF, Slim Jim and the infamous Nike.

Davis: Did you find doing work for companies like Nike particularly challenging or limiting?

Kozik: Its great. They treat you nice, pay a lot of money and your images are widely displayed. I love 'corporate' work.

Frank has been involved in some quite diverse projects. In 1996, Frank was the director of the "Pretty Noose" video for Sound Garden that was played on MTV.

Davis: Looking back on producing a music video how do you view the experience? Would you like to do more videos?

Kozik: The actual hands-on part of writing and shooting it was a blast. I did several large budget videos at the time...the fucked part was dealing with the corporate end of things and MTV. Those people totally suck. Sure I'd do it again-for a price.

In the 90's, Frank Kozik started Mans Ruin records. Bands from everywhere wanted to have Frank do their covers. To many, it was a symbol of success or a big push on the road to success. Collectors would buy the albums for the art alone.

Davis: Would you recommend a similar course for other artists?

Kozik: Not at all..end of the day, even though Mans Ruin was a 'critical and artistic success,' I lost about $800,000.00 of my life savings at the end of it all. The music business is too expensive and corrupt to really make a financial success over the long term for an independent label. It lasted 5 years we did about 200 different releases...a lot of which now fetch enormous sums on ebay...but...in the end, I regret it. I should have used that money to advance my personal life and not the lives of strangers.

In the past, Frank has been quoted as saying that his work is not artwork.

Davis: Do you still think that your work is not art?

Kozik: not really...it's...pop detritus, at best.

Davis: Can you elaborate on your current position?

Kozik: I'm sitting.

Most recently Frank Kozik has been involved in the making of art toys, a phenomenon particularly popular in Japan and steadily gaining popularity here in the US.

Davis: How did you get started making toys?

Kozik: I have been a long time collector and started to find the new wave of 'Asian designer toys' positively amazing, so...I started taking advantage of my prior position to force a couple through...they were well received and now it's become my full time deal just about. I believe it's the NEW THING for independent underground art.

Kozik: It's quite punk in its own way...and never before been done as an art movement; international...pleasing...it rules. Money is good too. Its a new thing...finally a new thing to do.

Davis: Do you feel there will be a strong showing for art toys in the US?

Kozik: It is currently exploding...luckily I am right there in the first few slots....

Frank's work is cherished all around the world and especially in Japan and Germany. It is hard enough to build a strong following in one town, let alone an entire country.

Davis: How and when did your work take off in Germany?

Kozik: I really don't know...Probably through the normal channels of music press back in the late 80's...Once the label (Mans Ruin) took off we hired a press guy over there and a lot of activity occurred in Germany between 94-98.

Davis: How and when did your work take off in Japan?

Kozik: Once again...from US press...I started to do projects on a regular basis starting in 1995.

Davis: What is it about your art that appeals to the Japanese?

Kozik: They seem to have been initially fascinated with the fact I was creating chaotic energetic images using what they consider a very old-fashioned traditional technique- silk-screening...then they sort of got into the fact I was willing to try all sorts of projects on an even level of effort...so these days I'll do anything from toy to textiles to installations over there. They seem to be looking for energy. I have a very satisfying situation in Japan.

Davis: After being a success for nearly 25 years, what is next?

Kozik: old age...death.

Davis: If you could only say one thing to an aspiring graphic artist seeking your advice, what would you say?

Kozik: CONTEXT. You need CONTEXT or else all your efforts will be in vain.

Davis: How do you see rock art today and how should it evolve in the future?

Kozik: It seems to be better than ever...so many solid designers and artists, and lots of collaboration and cross-pollenization. I'm loving it...I'm even starting to do a few posters again myself!

This collector is looking forward to a few more posters from the legendary Frank Kozik, a man whose talent and generosity never stop pushing the limits.

Check out more of Frank's work!

Written on March 6th, 2004.