Bob (2010) Dylan Biography
Artists' website: www.bobdylan.com
Bob Dylan was one of the foremost figures of the beat generation. His music spoke of a time of great social change. Songs such as "The Times Are a-Changin" and "Blowing In The Wind" have immortalised an era for the enjoyment and inspiration of future generations.
Born Robert Allen Zimmerman, he would introduce himself as "Bob Dylan" during his early performances. The change was inspired by his favorite poet Dylan Thomas and he has been known as such ever since.
During his time at Minnesota University Dylan developed his interest in American Folk, shaking off his rock and roll origins. He felt that folk music reflected real life in serious way and was generally deeper. It was these formative years that helped him nurture his iconic sound. Soon after, Dylan relocated to New York City where he signed his first recording contract. This was the begining of his illustrious career.
As the 60's progressed so did his involvement with the Civil Rights Movement. One of Dylan's greatest moments was performing at "The Great March On Washington", the same march where Martin Luther King made his iconic "I have a dream" speech. It was events like this that have come to characterise his legacy.
As a fine-artist Dylan began drawing in the 60's to pass time whilst recovering from a motorbike crash. His work was first brought to public attention in 1994 with the publication of the Drawn Blank book which was a compilation of drawings and sketches made between 1989 and 1992 whilst on tour in America, Asia and Europe.Over a decade later he was approached by a German gallery called the Chemnitz Art Gallery with a request to mount an exhibition of his sketches and drawings. It was the first time he had an offer of this kind and accepted. This interest in his work inspired him to re-viste his art and prompted the creation of 320 new pieces. These new creations where subsequently used for the exhibition and are what make up the drawn blank series today.
Dylan works in watercolour and gouache. His art is a glimpse of the world through his eyes. These paintings show a man on the periphery, constantly peering in, observing and are somewhat telling of life on tour. Views of hotel rooms, car parks and awkward looking people in bars are just some of the subjects he paints.
