Hello everyone. Thank you for coming out to Gallery 13 tonight for the opening of ‘This Time It’s Forever.” I’m incredibly happy to have such talented artists spend time celebrating my life through art. I mean, wow, a whole gallery devoted to art interpreting my art featuring me. I’m not entirely sure what ‘meta’ means but I think this is pretty close to the definition. Of course I’m in my black period right now but after this outpouring of support I assure you that my heart is wearing white.
Before we finish up tonight I’d like to go though some of the work here and talk about my favorites, starting with this one. It’s all black, but if you look closely I think you can see me painted in there in an even deeper black. Next to it is an all white canvas, with me painted over in a starker white. Now some may say this play on black v. white is too expected but I especially love how it speaks to my mysterious origins. It’s almost saying that just like black and white, I have always been. This is so true.
Moving on, this series is especially intriguing. These portraits of me waiting for the bus imply movement despite me being completely stationary throughout. As you move from one to the next the background changes, almost as if the world is moving around me and I am the only constant. This of course is true – no matter where you are, I’ll always be there, and it will freak you out a little.
Speaking of freaking you out, I wanted to touch on this one quickly. Some might criticize this painting of me making out with a young art school graduate in a crowded bar as crass or crude but I see it as the realization of so many of my own works. Every night all across the city there are a number of young women who see my work and who want to become the object of my obsession; in effect, be my new Britney. They’ll never take her place, but I will never blame them for trying.
I love this portrait of just my hand holding a beer with a pile of change next to it. What beer? I can never remember any names of beers but I’m sure it’s the cheapest that the bar has to offer. You’d think that for a guy who spends every night in bars I’d remember what beer I like but honestly I never know what to order. Isn’t that funny? What’s best about this portrait is that it features my favorite way to tip – in dimes and nickels. This one is just spot-on. I can’t take my eyes off of it.
Finally, this one I like, the fish dressed all in white and black because I love fishing. If anyone wants to go fishing ever just let me know, I’ll be there.
Again, thank you everyone for coming. I hope to see you again at the closing party on the 25th, and I hope that when you see me you will buy me a drink.
