David Lynch last had a solo show of his artwork in New York City at the Leo Castelli Gallery in 1989. He’s back, this time at the Tilton Gallery with a lot of new mixed media pieces, some photographic manipulations, a sculpture and a short video loop.
David Lynch, Boy Lights Fire, 2012.
The large mixed media works still ring in the same tone as his previous show in California from 2009. They begin as simple stories that unfold through brilliant consideration of materials and quality craftsmanship. I was nowhere near the Pacific Coast for his last show but viewed the works as you are now, online. Examining the pieces directly in New York exponentially increased the respect that I already had for his fine art. David Lynch is not a film guy pretending to be an artist. There may be room in this world for that sort of thing but that is not what is going on here.
David Lynch, Distorted Nude 20, 2012.
There are few descriptors used to convey the attitude of his art in its many forms. Darkness, anger and pain are all simplifications that do not offer any real understanding. We meet David Lynch on the surface but the man and boy remain behind the curtain, wizarding their own Oz.
David Lynch, I See My Love, 2012.
The secret to his success as an artist lies in a fantastic misunderstanding that occurs between his intent and the perception of the viewer. The screen that connects us shimmers with context. Behind the black paint and bold distortions there is light. If you trust that it is there you see it with every blink.
David Lynch, New York City, 2012. (photo: Scott Lickstein)
David Lynch
6 March – 14 April 2012
Tilton Gallery
NYC
Images of artwork courtesy David Lynch.
