A Grand Central Press release: the full color, hardcover, 33-page book, Blackwater Babylon, featuring the recent artwork of artist Michael Knowlton. This publication represents the Grand Central Art Center exhibition curated by Mitchell De Jarnett and contains essays by Nathan Spoor, C.R.Stecyk, and Jerome Witkin. Michael Knowlton is an artist involved in the lowbrow art scene as a writer for Juxtapoz and an early exhibitor in Zero One Gallery. His recent paintings are politically charged comments on current events and the war in Iraq, inspired by news broadcasts on TV and in newspapers, photojournalistic scenes, and the artist's unique narrative. Michael Knowlton grew up in the Bay Area, painting hot rod t-shirts at fairs during his teens and studied art at San Francisco State University. He later went back to lowbrow and politically charged work in the early 90's focusing on oil use and other ecological themes infused with a film-noir quality. Recurring themes include burning palm trees, which resonate with the menace of arson and the faded California dream. He also has written for Juxtapoz magazine and Surfer's Journal for over ten years.