Though his artworks are instantly recognizable, for most of his career, Punk Me Tender (1982) kept his identity well hidden. Taking a name inspired by his great love for the legendary Elvis Presley, Punk Me Tender always imagined the street as his canvas. As a rising artist, he left his mark across L.A. , creating some of the city’s most impressive murals. Now firmly established, he is an advocate for the sophistication of the art of sensuality. His mission is to explore freedom through photography layered with vibrant color and mixed media.Punk Me Tender is inspired by women, fashion and style. His work offers a new, more unfiltered look at the female body, celebrating desire as the soul’s impetus for being.
PunkMeTender’s work is exhibited in over 30 high-end galleries around the world and is sought after by international collectors and luxury brands such as Miami South Beach and Nobu. His celebrity clients include Khloé Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Kylie Jenner, Mariah Carey, Dave Navarro, and Kylie Jenner for Kylie Cosmetics x Stormi.
In June 2023, Carousel Fins Art unveiled the newest work Punk Me Tender at our Saint-Tropez location. Beauty, spirit and transformation continue to be prevalent themes throughout the artist’s work, exemplified in his iconic butterfly motif. To many cultures, and for the artist himself, the butterfly is a symbol of a battle won, a beautiful goal achieved through perseverance, and our capacity for growth and change. Beauty, spirit and transformation continue to be prevalent themes throughout the artist’s work, exemplified in his iconic butterfly motif. To many cultures, and for the artist himself, the butterfly is a symbol of a battle won, a beautiful goal achieved through perseverance, and our capacity for growth and change.