Concordia’s The Link: The Jack Dylan Antidote
The Jack Dylan Antidote
Giant evil breasts, Mel Gibson and Strawberry Shortcake–together at last
By Lina Harper
I’m not on antidepressants,†Jack Dylan steadfastly asserts.
But Jack Dylan’s painting might be.
Though Jack Dylan attempted to sabotage the interview and assert his propaganda on peppercorn and peppers’ incestuous relationship, a sunny Saturday afternoon at the Friendship Cove was ripe for a chat about his new solo show, “Antidepressants for the Coming Apocalypse.â€
“Conceptually, the ‘Coming Apocalypse’ will put forth political ideas, in easy-to-swallow, candy-coated doses. People don’t want to hear about dark things.â€
Indeed they don’t. Insulated bubbles and denial are comfortable places to be. Jack Dylan knows this–and he spoofed classical art, in order to make these scary times less, um… scary.
Using “big, wild colourful visuals,†the pieces in the exhibition are “like looking at the apocalypse with rose-coloured glasses,†he says. He even rummaged through the trash and thrift shops for interesting bed sheets which he used as a base for some of his paintings. Spoofing the four horsemen of the apocalypse from the Book of Revelations, Mel Gibson and a giant pair of “evil tits†somehow made it into the show.
Jack Dylan has been an illustrator for the past year, doing posters for shows and neglecting his painting until now. The cost was a factor, as was time and inspiration. But, thank Jesus, he somehow found it.
“We’ve been [trying] to wipe ourselves out since the ‘50s, … We as a society are on the endangered list,†Jack Dylan says with a deadpan expression.
As part of the Art POP context–a new additon to POP Montreal roster of indie related events–Jack Dylan’s show may astound, seduce, shock, or amuse its audience. Best is to pop a Xanax before you head out.
Antidepressants for the Coming Apocalypse is slated to hit the earth in a feisty ball of fire on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 6 p.m. at L’autre galerie, (4 St-Paul E., corner of St-Laurent). Dishwasher and Miracle Fortress will play some music to ward off the paranoia. www.popmontreal.com/artpop.