Sexy pin-up girls are at the heart of Rezurrection Gallery’s latest exhibit, “Varga Valentine.”

Bad puns aside, the collection of 26 works is one of the most intriguing and titillating shows hosted by the Tempe furniture gallery and arts space.

The exhibit is headlined by California artist Christine Karas, whose eight works showcase any combination of the following: Devil horns, stilettos, tattoos, lollipops, bikinis and the occasional nipple piercing. (Not to mention a bare breast here or there.)
“The Devil’s Dominatrix,” for example, features a portrait of a voluptuous, vampy woman — whip in hand — on a blood red background matching the tint of her lips. The painting is priced at $1,500, though Rezurrection is offering slightly more affordable prints of six of Karas’ works for $40. The gallery also has several autographed copies of the new book, “Vicious, Delicious and Ambitious,” highlighting 20 talented female artists, including Karas.

Other highlights include “Montanas Jemelas,” a painting by Tucson artist — and Rezurrection favorite — Sam Esmoer. Priced at $1,200, the piece features a curvaceous woman in little more than brightly colored boots, a cowboy hat and a Texas-sized belt buckle. The pouty temptress, pistol in hand, strikes a pose on a Mexican blanket with a saguaro cactus looking on from the background.

“Varga Valentine” also showcases two works from Denise Grimes, founding member of the all-women’s Arizona Roller Derby. One of Grimes’ works, titled “Anna Mosity,” features a rough ’n’ tumble roller derby chick, complete with accessories — blond-streaked ponytails, a black eye, a cigarette and a sneer. The painting is priced at $795.

And for those gallery-goers who dig the pin-ups but don’t have the green to purchase a painting, Rezurrection also sells candles, key chains, magnets and coasters with Karas’ designs for $4 to $19.