Whatshisname
Whatshisname X Castle Fine Art | 2021

Whatshisname brings us more of his hallmark Balloon Dogs in a thrilling range of finishes, including a fabulous chrome version, which have come from experimenting in his studio. "The style of the 'Multi-Layered Downward Balloon Dog' is reminiscent of the look of old cars which have been sprayed many times over the years, and by exposing the old layers of paint you can create a unique finish. I like old Volkswagens and I often see this look on Beetles and Camper vans", says the artist. 

"'Ruby Humping Balloon Dog' relates to hot rod cars which are often finished to a ridiculously flashy look with coarse metallic flakes and red candy paint on top. Altogether, It has about five layers sprayed on it - primer, fine silver flakes, coarse red flakes, candy red and a clear coat. The Stretching and Downward Nebula Balloon Dogs are a result of experiments; trial and error and mixing various colours together. I didn’t want them to look like a rainbow so I picked colours that contrast with each other; darker blue, purple or gold."

Whatshisname also brings four foot versions of his famous Jeff Balloonski figures, an homage to pop culture icons which will make a tremendous impact in any collection, and more originals from his hugely popular Gone series featuring childhood heroes.

We revealed the secrets from Sebastian's studio on our YouTube channel, where we regularly post behind-the-scenes clips and exclusive artist interviews. Follow us at @castlegalleries to be the first to see new content.

Who is Whatshisname?

Sebastian's POPek balloon dog sculptures hit the headlines in 2012 after being banned from London Underground stations for being 'offensive', and have since been exhibited in Hong Kong, Los Angeles and New York. Unabashedly provocative, his fusion of architectural visualisation and themes of childhood, nostalgia and pop culture has created artworks that inspire happiness while exploring our adult psyches. A former graphics designer, Polish-born Sebastian has worked with famed artists like Mat Collishaw, and was an early adopter of 3D-printing technology. 

Whatshisname X Castle Fine Art 

The new collection follows the success of Sebastian's debut release, and saw the London-based artist explore some of history's best-loved cartoon characters. The creations of famed animation artists and studios like MGM, Disney and Pixar are shown in an entirely new light; his monochromatic silhouettes are unsettling yet beautiful, with an ethereal, dreamlike aesthetic created through the graduation of shadows. In complete contrast, his balloon dogs are vibrant and playful, with the hand-sprayed resin sculptures boasting a glossy finish for a contemporary Pop Art look. Mix with a minimalist décor to add a splash of colour, or combine with your own nostalgic items for a style statement - there are no rules! 

Gone

Amongst a backdrop of political and socio-economic unrest in Poland in the 1980s and ‘90s, a young Whatshisname was drawn to the visual beauty of film. The silhouetted figures from his haunting Gone series symbolise nostalgia and letting go of our memories. He explains: “It’s showing our childhood heroes reaching out to us with an extended hand and saying, “Hello, I’m still here, do you remember me?”. Or if those are fading memories, they are saying goodbye. I try to imply the character, rather than tell the viewer who it is. I reveal as little as possible by stripping the figure of colour and making it black or grey.” 

POPek 

Originally created as a parody of Jeff Koons’ signature balloon dogs – which have sold for up to $58.4 million at auction – this series is inspired by the behaviour of real-life dogs, including a German Shepherd and Yorkshire Terrier from Sebastian’s childhood, and the puppy he owns now. The name is split into two parts: the ‘Pop’ refers to Pop Art and the sound that a real balloon would make, while the ‘ek’ is taken from a nickname of Sebastian’s high school friend. He adds: "While some artists approach the subject from the perspective of a toy or a balloon dog being supersized, I create my sculptures with the narrative of a balloon dog becoming a real dog."

Whatshisname's giant red 'Stretching Balloon Dog' has taken up residence outside our charity partner, Birmingham Children’s Hospital, a cause which is very close to our hearts. ⁠ ⁠ Talking about the installation, Whatshisname says: “I’m honoured to have one of my sculptures outside Birmingham Children’s Hospital, where I hope it will bring a little bit of happiness to those visiting. I hope the playful nature of my balloon dog will brighten the day of every patient.”⁠