FOCUS: Leidy Churchman

January 22, 2021 - March 21, 2021
Leidy Churchman, Buddhadharma Fever

Leidy Churchman
Buddhadharma Fever (detail), 2019
Oil on linen
86 1/8 x 102 1/8 inches

January 22, 2021 - March 21, 2021

The American painter Leidy Churchman presents several recent works for this FOCUS exhibition. Drawing on the postmodern idea that no subject is forbidden, Churchman’s imagery is broad and varied, mirroring the sheer abundance and circulation of visual information today. The paintings treat equally the subjects of animals, landscapes, themes from Tibetan Buddhism, real estate advertisements, and remakes of works by other artists, from Henri Rousseau to Barbara Kruger.

Churchman begins a painting with an interest in knowing the subjects intimately through observation. As they stated in a Bomb Magazine interview, “I love the surprise element that comes from giving attention. There is always more to be seen. . . . The surprise comes from the thing, or idea, merging with painting. The painting ultimately takes over. It is more powerful than the information.” Churchman’s approach is an exercise in being present and taking stock of the surrounding world. FOCUS: Leidy Churchman will be the artist’s first museum exhibition in the Southwest.

Associate Curator Alison Hearst's exhibition essay.

Leidy Churchman, Buddhadharma Fever

Leidy Churchman
Buddhadharma Fever, 2019
Oil on linen
86 1/8 x 102 1/8 inches

Leidy Churchman
Buddhadharma Fever (detail), 2019
Oil on linen
86 1/8 x 102 1/8 inches