“Follow your inner moonlight, don’t hide the madness” - Allen Ginsberg

Born in May 22, 1976, currently based in Akron, Ohio, owner of art and clothing company Thirteenth Floor, self-taught contemporary artist Billy Ludwig is best known for re-creating history with his SWvsWWII (Star Wars vs. WWII) series. From photo manipulation to guerrilla marketing inspired mixed media pieces, Ludwig’s work revolves around pop culture and science fiction themes conjuring a diverse following. His digital work has a creepy romantic aura while his mixed media pieces highlight the beauty of destruction. Much of his work will garner a second look, as you may have missed a small detail and/or “Easter egg” on first viewing.

For quite a few years now, he has spent a good portion of his time on the road selling his work at numerous events across North America and even going as far as East Asia. October of 2018, Billy accepted an invite by the U.S. Marine Corp. to show his work at an event on their base in Okinawa, Japan. Along with that, he has found much success via the Thirteenth Floor website where he has sold and shipped his work to over 30 countries worldwide. Opening the doors on virtually a negative budget, Billy’s art and clothing co. Thirteenth Floor celebrated its 10th anniversary July of 2020.

Not only has Billy maintained and added to an already solid following, he’s been fortunate enough to have his work hanging in the Pentagon and able to catch the attention of some very well known names that collect his work.

In recent years, a large focus has been placed on Billy Ludwig’s mixed media work primarily featuring pop culture icons such as David Bowie, Audrey Hepburn, Sid Vicious and more. These pieces are heavily influenced by pop art, guerrilla marketing, street art and incorporate signature embellishments with various information about the subject - significant numbers, latitude/longitudes, quotes and more. The devil is in the details.

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