On My Mind: Whitfield Lovell

Whitfield Lovell is a NY born Painter/ Installation Artist & MacArthur Genius award winner (2007).  I saw his exhibit “Whispers From the Walls”  as it traveled to various venues between 1999-2005. I was immediately immersed in the spaces Lovell created and transported to a different time. As I walked through the exhibit I could feel the haunting presence of the people portrayed in his large charcoal portraits on wooden walls and fences.  

This exhibit has been on my mind today. Maybe because I, (like Whitfield Lovell) am Inspired by images from my collection of old photographs and tintypes. While I don’t know who these people in the photographs are, I always want to know their stories and create an identity for them in my paintings.  I am currently working on pieces inspired by these photographs from my collection and will be exhibiting this work at venues on the east and west coast next year.

If you have never seen Whitfield Lovell’s work and have an opportunity to, run don’t walk. His work is brilliant.   You can check a two minute clip as he speaks about his work here.  Lovell is represented by DC Moore Gallery, learn more about him on their site.