Description
‘Brink’ by Michael Dandley
Artist: Michael Dandley
Title: ‘Brink’
Medium: Gouache and Graphite on Paper
Dimensions: 18″ x 24″
Framing: Framed (Frame Size: 20″ x 26″)
Year of Creation: 2020
About the Artwork:
“Each composition starts with a detailed graphite drawing on paper rendered from a combination of source photographs and my own internal understanding of how objects are constructed. Pigment is applied over the drawing with water soluble gouache. The initial application of paint is made in thin washes that build in opacity as finer details are layered atop the underpainting. Depth is developed through angles of perspective and observable light and shadow. Color-palette is selected to evoke emotion and imply energies typically invisible to the naked eye (e.g. neons juxtaposed against organic tones creates distinction between the ‘synthetic’ and ‘natural’). The stylization borrows from pop iconography of the late 20th century that first formed my visual memory through film and graphic novels.
BRINK, depicts a day in the life of workers in a strange and dramatic scenario. Despite the opening of an unearthly portal in the middle of a city street, these workers must carry on with their essential business. They posses an attitude of casual professionalism in the face of potential danger. Given this, the viewer may see a connection to the heroism of our essential workers in today’s global crisis.” – Michael Dandley
About the Artist:
(Aritst Bio)
Originally from Massachusetts, Michael now lives and works in Zürich, Switzerland. His paintings are 21st century examinations of the Landscape. As a body of work, they explore cycles of destruction and creation that arise from environments interacting with human exploration and development. Individually, they contain narratives adapted from personal experiences with science, politics, news media, and art history.