White Room: Dan Levenson

Dan Levenson’s paintings defy easy interpretation, as they address and are influenced by a broad range of principles. The artist lists his main concerns as “perspective and formlessness, solidity and suspension, austerity and pleasure.” Each piece presents a sort of psychic landscape; a flat, indeterminate space containing clouds and holes. Visual depictions of these items give solidity and shape to that which is inherently without mass or form, as well as holding specific emotional associations, such as dreaminess, thoughtfulness, fear and anxiety. Although ephemeral in nature, the compositions have the solid appearance of three-dimensional objects, the result of being designed and modeled with computer software. Beginning with the formulation of perspective in pictorial space, this work draws on many traditions in art history, including the flatness of Pop art, and the psychological associations of Surrealism. Levenson recently had a solo show at *sixtyseven in Brooklyn. He holds a MFA in painting from London’s Royal College of Art.