DRURY BRENNAN

Why do we not consider Brennan’s calligraphy work painting? Where is the line between writing and painting? These are core questions that Brennan is bringing to the table. This traditionally painted series walks a fine line between painterly brush strokes and the articulated structures of text.

Although it is visually different, this painting series references the same inspirations that are behind Brennan’s calligraphy work – namely, street art and Japanese and Chinese calligraphy. The brush strokes are treated with the same elegance and intentionality and they are painted on the same monolithic scale as some of Brennan’s more iconic wall work. These pieces also display in a manner similar to traditional Japanese silk paintings but they are created with the energy and action of abstract expressionism. Needless to say, Brennan’s work does not neatly fit into any of our existing historical categories; his work is experimental, fresh and exciting – perhaps in ten more years it will be the quintessential style of our current period.