The contemporary, Australian-born painter and installation artist, Anthony Lister, turns the word ‘art’ into the ‘fact’ in a new exhibition, The Art of Fact, at Allouche Gallery.
His ‘art’ in ‘fact’ tells a colorful story of the state of affairs as seen through his eyes. Part “dreamer of fantasy and imagination” and part very much in present day, this new work portrays life as he sees it ~ people, places, feelings, LIFE ~ messages in big broad strokes.
As eloquent with words, as he is with the brush/can, in his own words ~ “I have a problem with the word ‘art’ and especially being titled an ‘artist’. I feel that these are buzz words where all sorts of slithering pseudo creative types can hide in its ambiguous aura. My preference leans more towards the literal, therefore I refer to myself as a painter. For starters the word ‘art’ is far too short and (as far as I can decipher) is an abbreviation for the word artifact, is this correct of me to assume? If this is so then I find myself (in the context of contemporary language ) making facts.”
And he continues with….. “This is where I begin to confuse myself and also feel a sense of overwhelming excitement and amusement because if the fact that if I am (for lack of a better word) in fact making art and the product of my function as a painter is factually unmistakably the literal manifestation of this thing we call ‘art’ I come to the realisation that I am in essence a fact maker, which is quite an exciting realisation for someone who has been called a dreamer of fantasy and imagination. I am unique and not quite domestic and therefore “nessicary”. Facts are wonderful in theory. Theory is disastrous without action. Action speaks louder than words. They say a picture speaks a thousand words. This is a show about how I turned the word ‘art’ into the ‘fact’. This being the case I imagine being told by people ‘hey I like your fact’ to which I will reply ‘thank you’.”
Documentary-maker Eddie Martin is releasing a documentary film (trailer below) about the value of self-expression as told through the life of Anthony Lister.
You are very welcome.
The Art of Fact: Featuring Anthony Lister will open on Thursday, April 19th, with an Opening Reception from 6-9pm, at Allouche Gallery, 82 Gansevoort Street ~ across the street from the entrance to The Whitney Museum, at The High Line.
If you’re in L.A., check out Anthony Lister in Beyond the Streets (BTS) from May 6 to July 6.