Thompson’s scathing wit and intelligence burn through the canvas. Marley’s deep humanity and playfulness are obvious in Depp’s portrait, and the close friendship Depp shared with Phoenix is obvious in his emotional portrayal. With his sketchbook as a permanent fixture in his hand, rarely is there a time when Depp isn’t sketching or visually conceptualising the world around him. His mind rejects the ordinary, challenges the accepted and oscillates between the pictorial and the lyrical, giving rise to his own multilayered expressionistic style. Johnny’s art exists at the intersection of ‘Pop Art’ and ‘Street Art’. Recognisable images of people in popular culture are recast in vibrant, bright colours and overlayed with the energy and wit of Street Art. The result is a series of iconic images of media figures that have moved beyond the impersonal graphic simplicity of Pop Art. It’s Pop Art with feeling.
As an actor, Depp is known for his depth of research and commitment to characterisation. He studies, translates and harnesses qualities he sees in others to weave into the tapestry of the persona he is creating. This has resulted in laser-sharp powers of observation, and the ability to identify and utilise the subtlest nuance. He has wielded this skill in his visual art, using it to create a true authenticity and depth in the portraits of those who have become important figures in his life, those who have altered the course of his life and those who have provided influence and inspiration. A closer look at his portraiture conveys the qualities that Depp felt his subjects revealed most keenly to him, or are his strongest points of recall when revisiting times shared and memories made, or emotions created through music. The new pieces feature actors Heath Ledger and River Phoenix, writer Hunter S. Thompson and musician Bob Marley. The first three were friends of Depp, Marley a major influence. Depp has made Ledger’s sensitive and soulful eyes, reflecting his burning talent, a key element of the portrait, whilst
Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker