A Fresh Pack of Gum Blondes is a new exhibition from artist Jason Kronenwald featuring portraits of world famous blondes constructed entirely from chewing gum. Kronenwald, a native of Ontario who resides in Toronto, has been working with gum as an artistic medium since 1996 and has honed his craft to the point where his images come near photorealism in their likeness of his subjects. This show is his second for LE Gallery in Toronto.

All of the portraits are made of 100% chewing gum affixed onto a plywood backing. No paints or dyes are added to gum with all colors and tones coming from the chewed gum itself. Kronenwald smooths the chewed gum onto the backing creating the lifelike skintones and hair colors of his star subjects. The artist uses an enormous variety of gum brands and flavors for his palette, however he prefers not to chew the gum himself unless he has to, having a team of chewers he works with regularly to prepare the medium for him. Once the portrait has been completed in gum, Kronenwald seals it with epoxy resin to preserve it. Subjects cover a cross section of blonde women ranging from the likes of the tabloid trinity of Britney Spears, Paris Hilton and Lindsay Lohan to respected politicians like Hillary Clinton (seen after the jump).

Excessive gum chewing, like that featured above, can cause serious tooth decay problems - particularly if sugar free gum is not used. You can takepart to improve dental health by learning more about the American Dental Association.

Jason Kronenwald: A Fresh Pack of Gum Blondes

June 4th - June 29th, 2008

LE Gallery

1183 Dundas Street W.

Toronto, ON M6J 1X3

TEL: 416.532.8467

LINKS:

The Scream Online: Gum Blondes

Neatorama: Jason Kronenwald’s Gum Blondes

Global Intellect: Jason Kronenwald A Fresh Pack of Gum Blondes