Haunting, surreal, and vibrant are just a few words to describe the dynamic work of up and coming artist Daniel Dove, who is currently exhibiting at City College’s Atkinson Gallery.
At first viewing, one is immediately struck by the sheer skill of the artist. His impressive command of his medium is breathtaking. The deep colors are clean and clear. But what also draws the viewer in is the fluid movement and strong composition of each individual piece.
Dove received his bachelor’s in studio art at the University of Texas at Austin and went on to obtain his master’s at Yale University’s School of Art. His work has shown in countless galleries including the most recent at Cherry and Martin in Los Angeles. He is currently an assistant professor of studio art at Cal Poly State University.
Dove’s oil paintings leave the viewer pondering in awe. He brings together aspects of realism and surrealism in each of his works to create complex narratives.
In his 2010 piece titled “Vanishing Point,” time is used to play with the viewer’s expectation of the image and its reality. At first it seems that you are looking at the skeleton of an airplane rusting in a hanger. But around the decaying body of the plane lies pieces of blue sky and landscape. It is hard to tell whether the landscape resides within the same reality of the plane, or possibly somewhere before or after it.
The artist fuses recognizable symbols (such as corporate logos) and everyday shapes with others that have been warped. The merging of the two creates an eerie, dream-like experience for the viewer. Just when you think you know what you are looking at, the piece seems to change and reveal something new.
In his 2006 piece, “Prop House,” logos of Shell and British Oil sit against a brick wall.
It seems that the setting could be a deserted alleyway with a separate agricultural scene far off in the distance. There is a dance between the urban cityscape and the essence of the natural scene. From the ground of the alleyway, green grass drips upward toward a complex ceiling of tangled pipes. These pipes shed seemingly impossible shadows that mingle with the rest of the scene.
Dove’s dramatic and engaging pieces prove to be a unique experience that should be taken advantage by anyone able to stop by the gallery. The show will continue through until Dec. 10.
In connection with the exhibition Dove will also be part of the SBCC Fine Arts Lecture Series. His lecture will take place 2:30 p.m. November 17 in Humanities –Room 111.
A few limited edition prints have been made for Dove’s exhibition. Dove created the prints, with the help of City College printmaking students Kristopher Byrd and Evelyn Contreras as well as printmaking teacher Stephanie Dotson. They will be on sale for $500 dollars and all proceeds will go toward the gallery.
