From figures with multiple legs and noodles for arms to frolicking trees, Paco Pomet summons the absurd. Known for his uncanny oil paintings rendered mostly in monochrome and enlivened by colorful details of overly stretchy limbs or celestial objects, a sense of nostalgia greets surreal scenarios. The artist often derives his imagery from vintage black-and-white photographs, adding an absurd dimension to history.

Pomet’s work is currently on view in a solo exhibition titled Planet Circus at Richard Heller Gallery, which continues through February 14 in Santa Monica. See more on the artist’s Instagram.

An oil painting by Paco Pomet of a family seated at a table, rendered in black-and-white, and their arms become a pile of colorful spaghetti“The Dinner” (2025), oil on canvas, 23 5/8 x 28 3/4 inches

An oil painting by Paco Pomet of a young man seated on the ground with a yellow halo around his head and four sets of legs in a star-shape“Boy Star” (2025), oil on canvas, 23 5/8 x 31 7/8 inches

An oil painting by Paco Pomet of slender trees in landscape holding hands in a circle“Ring a Ring o’ Roses” (2025), oil on canvas, 31 7/8 x 23 5/8 inches

An oil painting by Paco Pomet of two cartoonish Old West cowboy characters on horseback, holding light sabers“Megastars” (2025), oil on canvas, 23 5/8 x 28 3/4 inches

An oil painting by Paco Pomet of two young people sitting across from one another, their arms and legs extremely stretched“The Distance” (2025), oil on canvas, 23 5/8 x 36 1/4 inches

An oil painting by Paco Pomet of two people meeting and shaking hands, although their hands are enormously blue and pink“Idyll” (2025), oil on canvas, 23 5/8 x 31 7/8 inches

An oil painting by Paco Pomet of a man seated beneath a canvas tent with legs that are bright blue and orange noodle-like shapes“Mediator” (2025), oil on canvas, 23 5/8 x 28 3/4 inches

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member now, and support independent arts publishing.

  • Hide advertising
  • Save your favorite articles
  • Get 15% off in the Colossal Shop
  • Receive members-only newsletter
  • Give 1% for art supplies in K-12 classrooms