David Skeens
When Our Fine Romance
About the Artwork
Transcription of When Our Fine Romance:
“I want the dead lovers of the world to hear our laughter, and grow sad” – The Picture of Dorian Gray, Oscar Wilde
WHEN OUR FINE ROMANCE
Is just another torn out page from an old book or the word for a forget-me-not in an ancient, yellowed tongue that no one speaks, let it never be said that we didn’t have fun.
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. When Our Fine Romance was printed in collaboration with the artist and BRT Printshop (now Powerhouse Arts Printshop). Each edition 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.
