Kersels prides himself on making art that is accessible, big and even populist. In a 1999 review of a Kersels solo show, Times Art Critic Christopher Knight described the artist as "James Cameron on a shoestring."
If Kersels is indeed king of the world, it's an offbeat world where inclusiveness reigns and a benign eccentricity is welcome.
"I don't want to surprise people to the point of antagonism," he said. "I don't need to go that far. I feel then that they would shut down. Then I think it's like Newton's law: If you put out X amount of antagonistic vibes, you're going to get Y back.
"It's about being a tinkerer and a crackpot. When I see students experimenting, I call them crackpots, and they get insulted. But I think it's a great thing. You're part of society, but you're still a little on the outside."
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david.ng@latimes.com
"Martin Kersels: Heavyweight Champion," Santa Monica Museum of Art, Bergamot Station, 2525 Michigan Ave., Santa Monica. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays, from this Saturday through Dec. 13. $5 suggested donation. (310) 586-6488 or www.smmoa.org.
