David Lyle, instead of featuring normal New York citizens in the paintings, he has replaced them with ‘monsters’, creating a dark, yet comical commentary about living in New York City. Featuring werewolves, witches, ghosts, skeletons, etc., Lyle’s paintings expose a side of New York that anyone who has lived in the city can relate to. Our publishing director Atesh M. Gundogdu interviewed David about his upcoming New York show.

Atesh M. Gundogdu: Hello David, to begin, what was the impetus for “Everyday People”? What will the visitors see?

David Lyle: This new series of paintings was made from things I have overheard or seen in New York while living here the past 15 years. I have always wanted to do a Halloween show so for this, Instead of adding normal citizens in the paintings, I added monsters. It's been a fun group of paintings to work on.

Call Your Mother on the Holidays 2019, Old Holland Ivory Black oil paint on wood panel, 30 x 22 in / 76 x 56 cm

AMG: How was your preparation process for this exhibition?

DL: Prep for this exhibition was like all my others. I make my paintings with only black paint on a gessoed wood panel, and I use old vintage photographs as inspiration and reference.

AMG: What is the relationship in your work between meaning and aesthetics?

DL: The relationship between meaning and aesthetics is the vintage feel to my paintings. I like to have the black and white give a vintage feel to the paintings while the message or "punchline" is more modern-day. Giving the subject matter a sense of ignorance and innocence of the past with the reality of the present.

Cold Feet, 2019, Old Holland Ivory Black oil paint on wood panel, 28 x 28 in / 71 x 71 cm

AMG: What is your art for?

DL: My paintings are social commentaries about things going on in or around my life, so I suppose the art is for me and my thoughts. But I like to think I make art for others to enjoy and take whatever meaning they get from it in their own way.

AMG: What vintage images keep you company in the space where you work?

DL: I like to have lots of old photos around in my studio. It helps for inspiration with new ideas and those photos vary with the subject matter.

This Town is Kind of Like a Ghost Town, 2019, Old Holland Ivory Black oil paint on wood panel, 40 x 28 in / 102 x 71 cm

AMG: What is your favorite ritual?

DL: I would say just being in the studio working is my favorite ritual. But Halloween is my favorite day.

AMG: What songs/albums are on your playlist nowadays?

DL: Songs on my Playlist. I'm an old punk rock kid, so usually that. Right now since it's Halloween season I have been listening to The Mummies, The Cramps, Misfits, etc...