David Lusk Gallery announces our Memphis spring exhibition: Blinky - new paintings and installations from the mind of Tim Crowder.

Blinky is a collection of mixed-media artwork that showcase Crowder's adept ability to transform conventional artistic expressions into profound reflections on the nuances of everyday life and societal dynamics. Crowder utilizes an array of mediums to construct visually arresting compositions, often juxtaposing conventional imagery with his satirical twist.

A series of works on paper, reminiscent of illustrations from a children's book, intricately weave together a three-dimensional world of castles, fences, and characters using cardboard and various materials. Initially exuding an air of playfulness and nostalgia, the scenes depicted feature idyllic green pastures populated by familiar children's book characters like snowmen and stick figures. However, beneath the surface lies a subtle commentary on themes of isolation, exemplified by solitary figures such as a ghost caught in the rain or a castle wall in the stillness of 4 am. Despite the underlying sense of isolation, Crowder’s whimsical interpretation infuses the artwork with a unique charm that resonates with viewers.

The manipulation of recognizable imagery is typical of Crowder's artistic practice, drawing inspiration from surrealism to challenge conventional perceptions of reality. Through his playful yet thought-provoking approach, Crowder prompts audiences to reconsider the very essence and purpose of art itself, thereby imbuing his creations with layers of depth and intrigue. Blinky serves as a platform for Crowder to push the boundaries of traditional art forms, inviting viewers to engage with his perceptive commentary on contemporary societal issues.

Tim Crowder was born in Missouri and attended Memphis College of Art. He has participated in exhibitions across the United States, including Mobile Museum of Art, Arkansas Art Center, The Southern Living Idea House; Ann Nathan Gallery, Chicago; Garner Narrative Contemporary Fine Art, Louisville; Vita Gallery, Portland; and Cedar Crest College, Allentown, PA. He has received several awards, including the Purchase Award, Southeastern Juried Exhibition, Mobile Museum of Art, Mobile, AL; Grand Prize, Delta Invitational, Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock; Purchase Award from the Red Clay Survey at the Huntsville Museum of Art, AL; and a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant.

His work is featured in the collections of Arkansas Arts Center, Little Rock; Brooks Museum of Art, Memphis; Chase Bank, New York; Crown Equipment Corporation, New Bremen, OH; Fidelity Investments, Memphis, Charlotte; Hilton Hotel Corporation, Memphis; Huntsville Museum of Art, Huntsville, AL; JMB Corporation, Chicago; Landers & Associates, Memphis; The Prudential Co., New York; and Nordstrom's stores in Dallas, Miami, Detroit, Honolulu, Chicago, Seattle, Indianapolis, Tampa, and Tacoma.