“Memory and Rhythm” mixed media on paper. Photos courtesy MLG

Making two rare, in-person appearances this weekend at Martin Lawrence Galleries, located at 790 Front St. at Lahainaluna Road, is “Bad Boy Painter” Mark Kostabi.

Meet this provocative artist at the opening receptions from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the gallery.

Kostabi has long been admired for his accomplishments, edgy media persona, New York lifestyle and storytelling embrace of the art scene. The figures in his paintings are faceless, yet display clear body language, which speaks a universal language.

“As an artist, for me, the people are the brushes, the people are the paint. I direct my laser pointer to a particular section of an idea projected before the Kostabi team and offer advice and suggestions; I am a painter at an easel, directing the zeitgeist towards the clarity and timelessness of art,” Kostabi explains in his artist statement.

Born in Los Angeles, he studied drawing and painting at California State University, Fullerton. After moving to New York in the early ’80s, he soon emerged as a leading figure of the East Village art movement.

“Composers Concordance” oil on canvas.

For more information or to RSVP for the opening reception, call 661-1788.

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