Dennis Larkins is responsible
for pioneering and refining a bold new approach to artistic
expression. His paintings literally jump off the canvas,
his prints seem to pull you into a three-dimensional world.
His work combines clear traces of his varied and eclectic
theatrical career, juxtaposed with the pop-surrealism of cultural
images, with subjects ranging from edgy to darkly humorous
to whimsically cosmic.
The limitations of photography and the
Internet prevent you, gentle surfer, from fully appreciating
the topographical qualities of Dennis' body of work. Fortunately,
the power of the images hold up just fine in two-dimensions,
so don't hesitate to browse the pieces presented below and
appreciate for yourself the many other levels that
each painting presents.
Or, to put it in Dennis' own words, "Art
is the point of contact between artist and viewer, idea and
expression, cause and effect. The result is a creative
experience containing limitless potential for dialog and interpretation."
"How does he do it?"
Dennis uses foams, rubber, and plastics to achieve a combination
of low- and high-relief sculpture directly applied to the
canvas or built up in layers. Some paintings "pop"
more than others, but even the most multi-layered works ("Unfinished
Business", for example) do not exceed five inches in
depth. But, thanks to Dennis' skill, even a few inches
of dimensionality can seem to create the illusion of a fully
immersive scene.
For more shocking revelations and intimate
details of Dennis' past, be sure to visit the History
page! |