David Molesky is the Painter of a Burning World

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Visually David Molesky is the painter of a burning world The New York artist talks to LIFO.gr about his latest exhibition and presents 9 of his paintings Vangelis Makris

16.4.2016 | 00:03

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An artist should try to reveal to his viewers what it means to be human, as if his work is a mirror for the viewer, creating a system of trust with him ... Message in a Bottle @David Molesky

The exhibition of painter David Molesky is currently on display at the Stephen Romano gallery in Brooklyn , New York. The theme of the exhibition "Riot Painitings" is inspired by photos of the riots

in Kiev in 2014. Let's listen to what an artist has to say to LIFO.gr who, through his painting, records our present. A world that is on fire and changing radically.

I would say to the one who sees violence in my art if he feels that he is acting violently.

- What is the most vivid memory you have from your childhood?

In my parents' basement there was a burner that made a lot of noise and lit the room when it was on. At one point I found the courage to go down there alone. By the light of the burner, I found a bundle of papers, which looked like a treasure trove of stunning images. I went upstairs with the parcel to find out later that it was my father's drawings when he was a teenager.

One thing I hear people say when they look at my paintings is that the beautiful way I paint these facts negates any inconvenience about challenging my images ... Maidan @David Molesky

Border Partrol @David Molesky

- Why did you become an artist?

I painted a lot when I was a child. I have been working continuously since I was 4 years old pretending that there was a studio in my room. I did not understand what a studio was then, but I felt the need to find a specialistplace to focus on painting. I started doing oil paintings at the age of 14 and had my first solo exhibition in high school organized by my art teacher. I seemed to have discovered something I could be good at

- Do you think that an artist has an obligation to society?

I think an artist has an obligation to society and could do more than just

David Molesky Photo: Sandro Baebler.

inspire people through beauty. An artist should try to reveal to his viewers what it means to be human, as if his work is a mirror for the viewer, creating a system of trust with him. And it's best when the message is conveyed through a global language that can transcend different cultures.

- In 2009, after 18 months of apprenticeship with the painter Odd Nerdrum, you returned to the USA. Could you share with us your favorite memories from that period of your life in Europe?

I have so many memorable experiences to remember from my tenure with Odd. I once walked by his studio expressing my admiration for his painting. He responded to my words by jumping over the chair shouting at the board he was creating "He could be better!". It was wonderful to see this white-haired man wearing a robe rushing into the painting with tremendous energy and concentration.

Fire Bird @David Molesky

Keeper of the Phoenix @David Molesky

Molotov Toss @David Molesky

- Tell us a few things about your inspiration behind the series " Riot Paintings " I started working on the paintings when the riots in Kiev reached their peak. Before that, I had a central idea, that I wanted to paint human figures with fire in a closed place, and I had decided that the characters in my paintings would not be victims or terrified by fire.

When I saw the photos from Kiev I was stuck with the beauty of the protesters in front of the fire, they seemed to form an agreement between them for a common purpose: a transformation through an act of destruction.

- A top 5 with your favorite artists and a short comment for each?

1.

Tiziano

He captured with his art the noble characteristics of humanity

2.

Rembrandt

No one is capable of creating the illusion of human presence as well as he does

3.

Turner

A beautiful explosion of light and space

4.

Poussin

He really understood the composition and how to give a pulse to his paintings with multiple figures

5.

Da Vinci

He captured the enigmatic relationship between humans and the unknown

- How would you describe the ideal spectator of your works?

I think the ideal viewer could be someone who knows the wonderful history of narrative painting and appreciates the importance of color itself, in addition to using it to create an illusion

- If someone told you that your art "promotes violence", what would you answer?

I have not heard anyone say such a thing until today. But if he did, I would ask him if he personally feels that he is acting violently or if anyone is guessing that he is going to have this reaction. I wish I had a dialogue with him through which we would both learn something. One thing I hear people say when they look at my paintings is that the beautiful way I paint these facts negates any discomfort about challenging my images.

Surface to Air @David Molesky

- Have you ever read a book that changed your life?

I often listen to audio books. But no one has made an immediate change in my life. I like reading Neurobiology, Anthropology and Philosophy. They give me the keys to understanding life.

- You have a collaboration with Juxtapoz magazine . What was your most awkward moment as a journalist to date? The best; Haha, awkward moment, then, probably every time an artist asks me to write about him. The best time is when I hear praise from the director or the publisher. I maintain a clear kind of cooperation with them. Sometimes I feel that we communicate with each other with telepathy.

It's best when the message is conveyed through a global language that can transcend different cultures ... Yellow Bus @David Molesky

Three Marauders @David Molesky

- Tell us about your favorite place in New York…

I like the terrace in my Brooklyn studio. It has an open view of all of Manhattan Island. It makes me happy to go up there and feel this open view especially the sunset.

- Think of yourself as a traveler in the time he meets his sixteen year old self. What would you tell him?

If I met my 16 year old I would tell him to forget his pursuits of science or preparation for medicine, to feel free to study but not to feel confused about the real calling. Learn as much as you can about painting and anatomy, complete, fast and as early as you can. All this will be useful in the years to come.

- You could share with us a photo with something you love (object, animal, person, anything)

This is my best friend, Oskar, a three-year-old Aussie Shepherd. He likes to play FrisbeePhoto: Sandro Baebler.

All images that accompany the article were provided by David Molesky for exclusive use by LIFO.gr. It is not allowed to republish them without the permission of the artist.

Info:

David Molesky's exhibition "Riot Paintings" continues at the Stephen Romano gallery in Brooklyn, New York until May 1 RomanoArt Instagram

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