No one loves a good pun more than me, especially when it’s expressed in strange and surreal ways. So I was immediately attracted to the pop-surrealism of Connecticut-based artist Robert Deyber.
I discovered his paintings this past weekend as I strolled the Martin Lawrence Art Gallery in downtown San Francisco, and I was immediately struck by the sly sense of humor behind his work, and by the way he treads that fine line between reality and fantasy, each painting a visual portrayal of a clever turn on a common phrase or euphemism.
But behind his sometimes corny puns lies the work of seriously skilled painter. Working with oil paints on acrylic, Deyber creates imagery that utilizes a combination of highly stylized composition, light, and contrasting colors, a nod to his deep roots in surrealism. Not surprisingly, he lists Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte as two of his key influences.
Humor, art and surrealism … what more could you ask for? Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the strange and wonderful world of a self-described “visual raconteur,” Robert Deyber.
Stephen Kelly Creative 
Count me as an instant fan! Love visual puns and surrealism and polar bears and buns!
yah, I was instantly attracted to both his goofy puns and the amazing art he uses to interpret them. Glad you liked his work as much as I do.
Hhahahah I love those bad hare days!
hehe … I’m really partial to Smart Ass and Dumb Ass
Hahah those are nice, but they’re not as random and morbid as the Bad Hares.
I more than slightly adore the dog at the fire hydrant and the blackboards.
Hi Hippie … yah, the dog is awesome. Thanks for stopping by again.
I work in an art gallery and see nothing but paintings all day, every day and Robert Deyber has always been in my top five favorites. The combination of humor, thought, and aesthetics is perfect! Great feature 🙂
Hi, and thanks for checking it out. You really sum up what I really like about his work. I follow art pretty closely and I’m surprised I’ve never come across his art before last week, because it’s really right up my alley.
Bull by the horns? 🙂 They are all wonderful! Thanks for sharing Stephen.
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Does anyone know where I Would be able to buy prints of his? especially the electric eel?? LOVE That one
Hey Robbie … I saw originals of his work at a gallery here in SF, and they were pretty expensive. Unfortunately, “Electric Eel” was not among them (that’s one of my faves too). But it looks like the comment below can steer you in a better direction.
Hi Robby. Unfortunately, “Electric Eel” was an acrylic original that was sold at auction and never reproduced as a print. However, we do carry most the rest of his work in a variety of formats: http://www.prints.com/art.php/Robert_Deyber/?artist_id=16002
Thank you both so much…..of course not what i wanted to hear….but still loving that work! I will look at his other ones! thank you so much!
Hey Robby … glad you like his work. There are a few that I would like to own myself! Thanks for dropping by, mate!