ARTS . Arts Picks

Mark Mothersbaugh

Postcard Diaries, Fri., April 6, 6-10 p.m., Bambi Gallery, 1817 Frankford Ave. | DEVOlution!, Thu., April 5, 9 p.m., Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave.


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Published: Apr 4, 2007

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Since he's responsible for countless movie soundtracks and television theme songs (and the butt of so many "Whip It" jokes), it's a wonder that Devo's Mark Mothersbaugh has time to tour all over the world. But for over 30 years now, he's been doing just that. And his collection of postcards — the backs of which become canvases for his twisted drawings — has hit upward of 30,000. And he's still at it, creating new ones every day. Too bad you're going to see only 20 of them at Bambi Gallery's showing of "Postcard Diaries." (But the fact that Mothersbaugh has discovered Fishtown at all makes us downright gleeful.)

In his early days, Mothersbaugh's hobby of sketching while on tour was meant solely for the eyes of friends and family, as a means of communicating with them while he was on the road. The originals are kept filed away at his Hollywood home, so each print has been scanned and digitally altered for the public. His comiclike images are dark yet playful and feature imaginative creatures and surreal characters, amongst them a robot with a recurring role. As far as diaries go, this read is deep.

For a pre-show warm-up, head over to Johnny Brenda's for DEVOlution! with DJ Deejay on Thursday. Expect art rock and new wave, plus a live performance from Foxy Contin. You might want to wear an energy dome on your head in case Mothersbaugh shows up.

Postcard Diaries, Fri., April 6, 6-10 p.m., runs thru May 17, Bambi Gallery, 1817 Frankford Ave., 215-423-2668, www.bambiproject.com. DEVOlution!, Thu., April 5, 9 p.m., $5, Johnny Brenda's, 1201 N. Frankford Ave, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com.