Deathwish
acrylic and conte on canvas, 96x96
2006-07
Artist Tad Lauritzen Wright
Courtesy of David Lusk Gallery
Tad Lauritzen Wright drew inspiration from what he terms "the realities of jealousy and selfish ambition in the art world" as the catalyst for making Death Wish (2006-2007). Included at the bottom of the canvas are the names of every artist who made the cover of Art Forum magazine for five years. Wright explains "The wallpaper is hand drawn in the background to represent toil while the large skull on the surface is rendered quickly to represent the rapid assent of the lucky few." Humor and satire play a significant role in the artist's work, communicated in part by his intentionally childlike style of composition to accomplish a manner of visual poetry. Lauritzen Wright teaches at the Memphis College of Art and has been featured in exhibitions and private collections nationwide for over a decade.
