David Weishaar
Artwork’s Title: ‘Green Narcissus’
Materials Used: Oil and acrylic painting on canvas
Studio Based: Lausanne, Switzerland
Art Verge
Can you tell us about the process of making your work?
David Weishaar
It is a constant and repetitive movement between reality, introspection and outward appearances. The process always starts with a photograph (created or stolen) that will be confronted with painting, in order to exceed the photograph and bring the painting beyond reality.
How would you define your work in a few words (ideally in 3 words)?
Fade To Grey
Would you use another three different words to describe the ‘Narcissus’ painting?
Mirror-like screen
How did you come up with this painting idea? Is there any story behind this painting?
I’m pretty interested by revisiting classical and famous subjects as the Narcissus can be. Usually represented looking down to the water, I wanted to turn the point of view upside down and place the viewers’ gaze like he’s lying on the water, or having that young man sitting over him (in an erotic way).
What colour is used the most in this painting?
A grey, blue, green, red, pink.
Can you mention any artists you, lately or generally, take inspiration from?
Luc Tuymans, definitively. Otherwise, I really recommend the homoerotic visions of Henri Scott Tuke, Billy Sullivan, Ludwig von Hoffman, and the works of Ridley Howard, Wilhelm Sasnal, Felix Vallotton, Ferdinand Holder, etc…
How do you know when this painting was finished?
Sometimes it tells me. At some point, the contrasts and the shapes progressively appear and rise together, than everything makes sens and I slowly can see where it goes. It is for me what the act of painting really means. And that is why, for these reasons, the first three hours of painting are often like a hell.
What about the place where you work? What’s your studio space look like?
It is a huge and former storage shed declined in many individual boxes, where not less than 20 artists are working. It is quiet far from a clean and silent space but I feel good there.
Is there any particular message that you wish your viewers can take from this painting?
I think every viewer has different expectations from art but for me, as a painter, I would say « Inspiration ». Inspiring people is maybe the ultimate goal an artwork can give to someone.
What does your mum think about your art?
My mum is full of surprises!
Which exhibition did you visit last?
It was Expanding Bodies at La Ferme de la Chapelle/Geneva, a duo show with the powerful works of Nastasia Meyrat and Xénia Laffely.
Which are your plans for the near future?
2018 was a very creative year for me, full of good experiences and many exhibitions. I am happy to regain my studio, work more, and have the time to explore new things. Hopefully 2019 will have the same and constructive energy, and it would be amazing to go to an other city (country) for an art residency.
Additional Paintings
http://davidweishaar.tumblr.com/
© All images are courtesy of the artist