David Skeens
Reality
About the Artwork
Transcription of Reality:
“In the future, everyone will be world famous for 15 minutes” – Andy Warhol
REALITY
This is the one when the dna test proves that you’re not really a blond. This is the one when you’re all lips. When you win the lottery and go bankrupt. When they promise you an afterlife and you settle for a shopping spree. When you’re arrested in your wedding dress for snorting diamonds. This is the one when you bathe in glitter and your future goes down the drain.
Curatorial Opinion
David Skeens makes visual, poetic prints using iconic song lyrics and quotes by artists and writers. First, he gives the lyrics that set the stage and tone for the poetry that follows. They invite you in for an intimate conversation, the kind of running dialogue some of us use to narrate our inner worlds. The poetry fires off like neurons in the shape of phrases. Each mise-en-scene has pain and redemption, drawing from pop culture as well as mythology. Cliches mix with tender entreaty, making the reader into a confidante.
About the Process
Haystack works with both traditional printmakers and digital printers to ensure each artist’s print reflects the most important aspects of their studio practice. Reality was printed in collaboration with the artist and Forth Estate at Axelle Editions (a renowned printmaking studio active from 2005 – 2015). Each print was created by silkscreen printing (also known as serigraphy). This method requires stenciling techniques wherein ink is pressed onto paper through deliberately exposed areas of a mesh screen one color at a time.
