Derek James Lynch

Artist Statement

My new work involves the creation of urban-based idealized landscapes in dreamlike circumstances. My use of ambiguous relationships and unsettling juxtapositions of geographic locations in the Bay area are prominent features of my work.

I merge new digital photography with painting and Bay Area architecture to create new perspectives, focusing on San Francisco neighborhoods as my primary subject. The outcome can be whimsical and yet it offers a serious sociopolitical commentary on the changes to our urban landscape.

In 2006, I began working with architectural forms, derived from digital technology, with the use of printmaking, ink, pencil markers, acrylic paint, and archival pigment.

My large scale Botanical paintings are inspired and influenced by the Bay Area natural and man made parks and wildlife. I feel a deep affirmation and affinity and connection to things that live around us.

Bio

Derek Lynch was born in Englewood, NJ and currently lives and works in San Francisco. Recent solo and group exhibitions have been featured at: Inclusions Gallery, SF, Schneider Museum of Art, Ashley Oregon; Bedford Gallery of Contemporary Art, Walnut Creek, CA; SFMOMA Museo Gallery, San Francisco, CA; SFMOMA Artist Gallery, San Francisco, CA; Marin MOCA.

Derek graduated from the School of Visual Arts in New York City in the early 80’s with artists such as Keith Haring and Kenny Scharf. He was mentored by artists Frank Owen, John Seery, and Sandro Chia.

His band played at CBGB's in the late 80’s at the Christmas specials as the 'Special Guests' and performed live on WFMU radio. Lynch's film debut was at the Castro Theater in San Francisco, BAMPFA in Berkeley, CA, and The Kitchen in New York City in 2000.

He is the recipient of numerous grants and awards.