David Salle undressing the role of the artist and the writer
Entering the Skarstedt gallery, I saw the first crowd-pleaser, ‘S.P. Divide’, (2018-19). I feel a little overwhelmed as my eyes darted from one part to another. The visual strength and energy come from the pace of imagination and the zing of the image. Looking at the subject matter in the series of paintings I am drawn towards David Salle’s use of illustrative cartoons which contrast with the colourful stripes and jumbled images. The strips and monotones cartoons create a stark contrast. I try to make sense of the visual rules, patterns and processes, which l find are reminiscent of our overloaded undiscernible culture. It takes a few minutes to steady myself and figure it all out. I then step back and walk around, finding that not only does David Salle start by making that first impression appear unfathomable, but the paintings also draw the viewer in like an addictive crossword.
David Salle, the 65-year-old artist from Norman, Oklahoma, who has amassed many international shows around the world is back. He has made a promising return to London at the Skarstedt Gallery, with a series of work titled, ‘Musicality and Humour’. I had high expectations of his work after recently reading his book ‘How to See’ in which Salle explores the work of his peers and undresses the role of the artist and writer. Salle seeks to inform newbies like me how to paint and interestingly, how writing helps artists to understand their own work.

Installation shot David Salle Musicality and Humour, © David Salle/VAGA at ARS, NY and DACS, London 2019. Courtesy of the artist and Skarstedt, New York.
Related review: David Salle art -Undressing the role of the artist and writer
I slowly, patiently, I get the answers. I am reminded of Lichenstein’s use of cartoons however, Salle’s focus is more on the brushwork than the benday dots. There is clearly a prominence given to how the paintings are made. The brisk strokes show Salle’s calculated visual fluency, as I imagine the artist listening to Jazz or classical music while he paints.
Over the top of the canvas, Salle often paints another sketch. The two layers are left as if they out of focus and unrefined. The flaws and errors are on show and are charming. They add to the appeal and highlight how Salle avoids fuzziness and getting bogged down in perfectionism.

David Salle, Grey Honeymoon, 2018-19, oil and acrylic on linen
74 x 104 in, © David Salle/VAGA at ARS, NY and DACS, London 2019. Courtesy of the artist and Skarstedt, New York.
David Salle art website
As I walk around I realise the more I look at the subject on the surface I realise its shallowness, the more it appears to be comparable to the superficiality of advertising. Its subject matter appears to be chosen for its aesthetical qualities, drawing you in to look for hidden meanings and narratives however, none are there. I couldn’t fail to notice the visual pun in the painting, ‘Leader of seals.’ A man resembling the seals or the seals resembling the man.
The paintings have none of the stillness and stuffiness of paintings designed on photoshop. Each canvas is carefully considered and planned to underscore and give emphasis to the subject matter’s weight, pitch and tone, without feeling plotted or forced. The paintings come from themselves through the process of painting. Each picture is inspired by the previous one bringing into question how we create logic and meaning in our visual culture.

David Salle, Equivalence, 2018, oil and acrylic on linen, 78 x 110 in, © David Salle/VAGA at ARS, NY and DACS, London 2019. Courtesy of the artist and Skarstedt, New York.
Related review: David Salle undressing the role of the artist and writer
Isle D'Hollander: In and out of abstraction
Salle says in his book that writing completes the circle for an artist. I have found this to be true as this review has helped me to understand what I want to do with my own work. Salle emphasises the mastery of visual communication. He uses cultural signs as his playthings. Great artists of the past played with the rules and patterns of their time, Salle does the same here. The cartoons are like cut-up comic books or Matisse’s cut-outs. The colours, tones and forms are put together to achieve new expressive meanings and association.
David Salle’s paintings encourage us to see the world from his position where tempo and humour create personality. His work is a pictorial event that succeeds on many levels. Salle slices through what we see, presenting enduring images that are full of energy and life. I really enjoyed the highly entertaining and unpredictable paintings.
The show is on at Skarstedt Gallery, London until 26th April 2019
“The biggest mistake as an art student, is to try to learn from an artist example. If you like Philip Guston, you can not learn from how a hand holds a cigarette, the motive from him. You have to learn to step one step further back. To understand the method without figures. How they do it before they do it.” Quote by Tal R. Playing around with gouache paint on paper in the studio #stuart.bush #gouachepainting #lineartwork
I’m longing for change. Are you? Giclèe framed print. #changeyourmindchangeyourlife #stuart.bush #artforsalebyartist
Congratulations to Jenny Saville from London for winning my June print giveaway. The print ‘Just a feeling and not just the truth’ looks great at the bottom of your stairs, on your hall wall.
It was nice to meet you, talk, and chat by delivering the framed print in person. I hope your husbands gets better soon. Best wishes.
It is easy to feel helpless, like we are in the flow of the river. And we are looking for something to grab hold of. To pull ourselves out. This is where I think art can make a difference.
Connecting us with our sense. I hope my print can help to do that. I’m into beauty, but not pretty pictures. I want to make something that rattles you and makes you think. Art on your wall, and this print in particular, can help you to reflect on the moment, and the past and of course the present.
When you look at it once, it hasn’t sunk yet. It takes repeated viewing. When you live with an artwork in your walls and you see it everyday, the artwork slowly reveals itself. #printgiveaway #artprints #framedartwork
I don't know what it is but I am sure it is highlighting some kind of truth. ‘Great Souled Way’ #oilpaintingoncanvas #figurepainting #abstractpainting #londonart
“Free and alone in the maze of the city, the flâneur craves a revelation that might change his life and destiny.” Quote by
Federico Castigliano #flaneur #inthecity #figurepainting painting by #stuartbush
Not sure where I am going with this one. Today mistakes. Work in progress #workinprogress #todaymistakes #oilonaluminum
@stuart.bush New painting, please help with suggestions for a title. Or please DM me if you have any questions about it #oiloncanvas #figureinthecity #inthestudiotoday
Reed Hoffman said “if you're not embarrassed by the first project you launch you're too late” I feel awkward and uncomfortable showing these new artworks for the first time. It is still #workinprogress