"THE CITY" Gallery Installation 2005

“NEW YORK CITY” Pen and ink drawing 2004-05. Beneath the concrete lies a world of bricks and bones; a history of lives lived, loved, won and lost. Inspired by the monstrous metropolis known as Manhattan these classic landscape studies use heavy black shadows, layered ink techniques, and cross hatched skeletal imagery personified the majestic metropolis. Thematically the works examine the towering architectural prowess while simultaneously reminding us that of all the people and events that have moved throughout the buildings. The deep black washes represent the mystery and apparent infinity hiding in the structures, while the carnival inspired skull and bone pillars reference the lineage, fragility and humanity embedded within each and every brick. Like most of the “HEY APATHY!” ink drawings, these works delve into both celebratory and pessimistic processes at once in awe of and terrified by man’s creation.

The illustrative process involved the use of several different quill pens and an experimental technique of layered ink washes. The skeletal structures of the buildings were drawn with bamboo pens and recklessly hatch-shaded with metal quill nibs. The dark surfaces of the buildings were painted using brushes to apply multiple coats of heavy acrylic inks to the image. This pain staking and repetitive process allowed the paintings dry with a thick black leathery texture. Previously unexplored in other “HEY APATHY!” artworks, this distinguishing technique resulting in an indescribably striking visual effect that can only be enjoyed when viewing these works in person (as opposed to online or in photographs). The initial series consisted of 30 poster sized works on paper and a single 4 x 6 foot drawing. The works were arranged in a large scale grid reminiscent of a brick wall and exhibited as a drawing installation during at the O.C.A.D. Atrium Gallery Jan. 2005. Following this presentation 3 more large works were created including a 4 x 30 foot panoramic New York Skyline. Read More about the NYC pen and ink drawing.