When Bob Dylan was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature, a tremendous fuss was made – both by those exalting the decision, and others who were left unimpressed that a mere singer-songwriter had been elevated to such an esteemed literary pantheon.
It was also no big shock that Dylan himself stayed aloof from the subsequent shouting match that took place in the papers and on social media; he’s always let his words and music do the talking. Now, with a timing that comes loaded with a hilarious perversity I’m sure he’d relish, one of Dylan’s first major artistic expressions following the Nobel award involves nothing but pictures.
Dylan’s output as a visual artist has been a sideshow to his music ever since he became a pupil of the painter Norman Raeben back in the 1970s, and The Beaten Path, his new show at the Halcyon Gallery, in Mayfair, sees him very much on home turf.
One of his major lyrical and musical preoccupations (particularly in recent years) has been the America of yesteryear, and although these paintings of prairies, cityscapes and motels could well be contemporary scenes, they have an undeniable air of nostalgia about them.
For committed Dylan fans like myself, there is a thrill to seeing his creations up close, but even those who don’t spend their free time searching out different live versions of Like a Rolling Stone on YouTube will find enjoyment in this sizeable show.
A total of three floors of the Halcyon are devoted to the exhibition. The fact that the gallery is loaded with enthusiastic salespeople gives the unfortunate impression that money, rather than artistic endeavour, is the main motivation here, but some of the paintings on display are undeniably impressive.
When Dylan goes large, as he does with his depiction of a blazing New York skyline and two versions of the same open, winding road, his art comes into its own. A series of smaller, darker scenes of city life at night come over as impressionistic riffs on Edward Hopper.
It must be said that not all the work is of a high standard. In a number of the paintings the mark-making feels hurried, resulting in images that lack heft and texture. Signs on buildings – which feature prominently throughout – are often rendered sloppily.
Dylan’s approach to painting appears to match his method for recording music, which sees him get his tunes down quickly and with minimal fuss. Why do 12 takes when just a couple will do? His hit rate is higher with music than it is with art, but when he gets the latter right, which he does several times in The Beaten Path, Dylan emerges as a painter worthy of serious attention.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.