Rock Therrien’s XOXO is a striking and playful mixed-media painting that embodies his signature blend of nostalgia, pop culture, and urban street art influences. Measuring 24" x 24", the artwork features the beloved animated character Betty Boop in a bold, flirtatious pose, rendered in Therrien’s distinctive, textured style. The composition is layered over a collage of vintage imagery, advertisements, and urban iconography, reinforcing the theme of cultural memory and the passage of time. A standout element in the piece is the addition of real neon tubing spelling out "XOXO" in glowing pink and white. This luminous detail creates a compelling juxtaposition between the classic and the contemporary, further emphasising Therrien’s fascination with blending old and new, past and present. His use of distressed textures and a weathered aesthetic gives the artwork an almost timeworn quality, as though it has been unearthed from a forgotten urban space. A Canadian artist with a formidable international following, Therrien is renowned for his ability to transform familiar childhood icons into sophisticated, thought-provoking works of art. His paintings invite viewers to engage with their own memories while also challenging them to see these characters in a fresh, contemporary light.
