GORILLA MILK (2024)
Art work by: Van Dahl
GORILLA MILK (2024)
1 of 1 original painting (signature on back)
100 x 120cm (39.4" x 47.2")
Acrylic paint & mixed media on canvas
An abstract and geometric style forms the base layers with an exploration into soft blends of light blues and greens coupled with a montage of symbols and iconography contrasting against a bold brutalist 3D visual illusion. A figurative pseudo collage top layer depicts a half woman half gorilla, a red tattoo sign, a chopper motorcycle and the famous advertising slogan “got milk?”.
When I lived on the Bowery in New York City and had to go meet someone for a drink who lived across the Williamsburg bridge in Bklyn I’d often suggest a cool little Tiki bar which had sand on the floor and a surf theme.
It also served really strong cocktails 🍹 including my favorite called the Gorilla Milk. Still to this day it brings a smile to my face remembering that bartender milk that gorilla . 🦍 🥛
The Hotel Chelsea (2024)
Art work by: Van Dahl
THE HOTEL CHELSEA (2024)
1 of 1 original painting (signature on back)
100 x 120cm (39.4" x 47.2")
Acrylic paint & mixed media on canvas
An abstract and geometric style forms the base layers with an exploration into soft blends of light ocean greens coupled with a montage of symbols and iconography contrasting against a bold brutalist 3D visual illusion. A figurative pseudo collage top layer depicts a half man half skull, a red highway, a motorcycle with flaming rear tire and an ethereal figure formed from a line sketch of a rose.
One of the best New York Halloween parties I remember was one at the Infamous Hotel Chelsea who’s past long term residents included Andy Warhol, Robert Mapplethorpe, Madonna, Jack Kerouac, Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Dylan and Mark Twain…and is reportedly haunted. It was a particularly cold October and there were even early snow flurries which added to the spirited festivities.
El TIGRE ON MULBERRY STREET (2024)
Art work by: Van Dahl
El TIGRE ON MULBERRY STREET (2024)
1 of 1 original painting (signature on back)
100 x 120cm (39.4" x 47.2")
Acrylic paint & mixed media on canvas
An abstract and geometric style forms the base layers with an exploration into soft blends of sunlight yellow coupled with a montage of symbols and iconography contrasting against a bold brutalist 3D visual illusion. A figurative pseudo collage top layer depicts a tiger head, skulls, the sun, hands and a snake guarding the number 13.
A tribute to American tattoo artist Don Ed Hardy….and his self portrait ‘El Tigre’ (2009)…mixed with my memories of living in downtown Manhattan and passing the “Hippie” sign at the Spring Lounge on Mulberry street on my way to catching the 6 train at Spring street subway station.
COWBOY JUNKIE (2024)
Art work by: Van Dahl
COWBOY JUNKIE (2024)
1 of 1 original painting (signature on back)
100 x 120cm (39.4" x 47.2")
Acrylic paint & mixed media on canvas
A desert scene at twilight with a mix of faded reds and earth tones form the backdrop of this painting. A figurative pseudo collage top layer depicts a cowboy riding a gorilla, the detailed mapped instructions for a dance routine, several floating bubbles, twin cactus, the radiant baby symbol and the MTv logo.
Was television the gateway drug to our present day addiction to social media?
This large scale artwork pays tribute to some of the artists that influence my work including Keith Haring, Matt Eddmenson, Gillie and Marc, Coulter Jacobs and of course the biggest influence of all...being part of the MTv generation.