The idea of a dramatist writing a play within a play or a screenwriter penning a film about making a film is a recurrent theme on stage and on screen. However, a painting containing the image of another painting is currently perceived as unconventional practice in the art world—especially when it comes from Andy Dixon. The concept of capturing existing works of art on canvas first became popular in the 16th century, but Dixon, with his historical know-how, has been able to bring the technique back in vogue. His fixation stems from the way the Vancouver-born, LA-based artist considers the idea of opulence. Works that have conveyed this the most have been exhibited at New York’s Joshua Liner Gallery last year. That sense of intrigue and curiosity has continued in his current work.
The opulent art of Andy Dixon
A conversation with artist Andy Dixon on the intersection of art and commerce.
By Caleigh Alleyne - May 28th 2021
“Of course, I believe in art so I’m not trying to cheapen the magic of it,” says Dixon, “but at the same time, you could also look at an artist as someone who just makes products to sell.” In a sense, the artist believes that art is, in its own way, a luxury item to own. Which is why Dixon’s work is a conversation between art and commerce—his paintings touch on how the two can live, work and experiment together. “I think there is a lot of comedy and taboo that exists in the gray area of those two concepts,” he says.
In the Patron’s Home series, Dixon recreates his own paintings in domestic scenes set in the homes of those who now own the works. Detailing anonymous and intricate living spaces in LA, Hong Kong, London and New York, the Patron’s Home series is devoted entirely to patrons as it is a contemporary interpretation of the tradition of artists painting their own masterpieces (as seen most notably in Henri Matisse’s The Red Studio). In comparison, Dixon’s Patron’s Homeseries is an examination of the evolving relationship an artist has with his work following its purchase. “I wanted to highlight the commercial side of things,” says Dixon, “if a painting is now bought and sold, what happens to a work of art when it is out of my hands? ”
In Patron’s Home (Milan), the artist conjures an image of a living room flooded with bold art, stylish furnishings and an ornate rug. At first glance this appears to be a simple scene in a contemporary home, but on the wall is a revelation: Dixon’s own work, Allegory of Music Painting (2019), acquired by the homeowner, has been recreated within the new canvas. “In the way that Andy Warhol played with Campbell’s soup cans as a signifier of pop culture, I am playing with old paintings,” says Dixon, intrigued by the pop culture interpretation of art history.
Self-taught since he first picked up a brush, Dixon’s color choices are instinctual rather than informed by years of technical study. His style was developed through trial and error. “For source material I’m looking at various eras of art history like Flemish still life and Renaissance reclining nudes, things don’t really have much strife in them. I’m looking to appropriate images that are full of desire.”
What is most unexpected in Dixon’s work is his connection to his punk rock roots, where he first began experimenting with silk screening techniques and layering colors for his bands D.B.S. and The Red Light Sting, and his Vancouver-based independent music label, Ache Records. Dixon’s color theory was also developed as a response to his exploration of the interactions in a palette of 20 custom-made paints. The same deep dedication to the exploration of shades and hues is something he sees in in established and emerging art spaces everywhere.
“I’ve been noticing there has been a rise in young artists who really know how to paint technically well,” remarks Dixon. “But what you do with that technical prowess is [key]... because you still have to say something important.”
Related articles
-
Lifestyle
Nepal’s Hidden Gem
By Charu Suri - June 5th 2024
Touring the majesty of Mustang, a former forbidden city with next-level luxury.
-
Lifestyle
Haute Hong Kong
By Wing Sze Tang - May 29th 2024
Travelling through China’s most rousing city.
Latest articles
-
Featured Aircraft
Global 7500 Business Jet Makes Time Fly
By Sebastian MacDougall - August 26th 2024
Life aboard the Global 7500 aircraft from New York to Mumbai
-
Profiles
A conversation with Douglas Coupland
By Elio Iannacci - May 29th 2024
The iconic artist opens up on the beauty and the reality of The New Ice Age.