Tag: billy childish

Billy Childish at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

Though Billy Childish is known for his stunningly prolific production of punk and garage albums, volumes of poetry and thousands of paintings, his latest show of canvases at Lehmann Maupin Gallery exudes tranquility.  Here, a lone shore pine dominates the canvas, reaching out to the blue and white strata of sky with its branches.  In other paintings, solitary figures navigate canoes or swim in frigid-looking waters, suggesting a journey that must be undertaken alone.  (On view in Chelsea through Jan 7th).

Billy Childish, tree – seattle, oil and charcoal on linen, 96 x 72 x 2 inches, 2022.

Billy Childish at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

It comes as no surprise that British artist Billy Childish counts Van Gogh as an influence. By putting these sunflowers in a vessel that recalls Gauguin’s ceramics, Childish marries two artists who lived outside of conventional society in an image that pulsates with pattern. (At Lehmann Maupin’s West 22nd Street location through Oct 31st).

Billy Childish, Sunflowers, oil and charcoal on linen, 60.04 x 42.13 inches, 2015.

Billy Childish at Lehmann Maupin Gallery

A couple in a rowboat would seem to be tame subject matter for rebellious rocker and prolific writer Billy Childish, but the man’s missing face and this painting’s line-driven style channels provocative Nordic expressionism a la Munch.  (At Lehmann Maupin’s Chelesa location through April 20th).  

Billy Childish, Rowers (version y)(Oyster Catchers, Thames Estuary 1932), oil and charcoal on linen, 2012.