We’re pleased today to bring new works from David Walker in studio as he prepares for his first US solo show at Black Book Gallery in Denver, “Shake Your Skin Loose”. A departure from his style that many have seen in murals in many cities, these new works are less literal, more impressionist; a product of his own “shaking loose” of expectations for his work.

David Walker at work in his studio. (photo © Yuli Gates)

The works on paper particularly remind us of the public spots where paper advertisements are posted – getting damaged by time and weather, ripped off time and again to make way for new ones, revealing traces of the old. With heavy paint overlaid with irony and personal phrases, they’re are more raw than we are used to seeing the controlled and thoughtful Walker, making way for emotion and imprecision.

David Walker. His studio. (photo © Yuli Gates)

“In the age of social media where the treatment of others is inhuman at times and the currency is judgement: Like/Dislike, Left/Right, Us/Them, Pretty/Ugly – All done in a millisecond,” says Walker en route to the new works. “I feel like portraiture and painting or ‘slow media’ is becoming more vital. A good painting can elevate its subject, command inspection, ask questions of the viewer.”

David Walker. His studio. (photo © Yuli Gates)

“Whether sitting completely still or sleeping we are internally pulsating as our physiological systems constantly work to keep us functioning,” says the gallery text accompanying the show. “Our nervous system crackles with electricity, blood vessels expand and contract from head to toe in perfect harmony while our mind swirls with contemplation”

David Walker. His studio. (photo © Yuli Gates)

David Walker at work in his studio. (photo © Yuli Gates)

David Walker. “Lydia”. Work on canvas. (photo © David Walker)

David Walker. “Jelena”. Work on canvas. (photo © David Walker)

David Walker. “Dorcas”. Work on canvas. (photo © David Walker)

David Walker. “Alex”. Work on canvas. (photo © David Walker)

David Walker. “So This is a Broken Heart”. Work on paper. (photo © David Walker)

David Walker. “Tiger On a Tiger Skin Rug”. Work on paper. (photo © David Walker)

David Walker’s exhibition “Shake Your Skin Loose” opens today at Black Book Gallery in Denver, CO. Click HERE for further details.

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