Brendan Lynch

Private Collection, Europe

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although it fails to fully convey the reflective nature of the aluminium foil visible in the original. Condition: This work is in very good and original condition. All surface irregularities are likely to be in keeping with the artist's intent, choice of medium and working process.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

By combining and juxtaposing ephemerae from the contemporary visual landscape, Brendan Lynch offers sophisticated insight into the culture we live in. “I focus on the subtle moments in life that stand out over the thousands of other moments.” remarks Lynch in his artist’s statement. This is particularly pertinent in the present work whereby the repeated image of swimsuit model Kate Upton and the single portrait of actor Kit Harrington (here appearing in character as ‘John Snow’ from the popular television series Game of Thrones) are obscured by a mantle of aluminium leaf. Through his use of existing images, Lynch draws our attention to the repetition and saturation of celebrity images in the digital world, disrupting them, and forming a tension between the polished, glossy images and the amorphous covering layer.

The adoption of everyday materials as a medium for fine art creates a sense of commonality which, with the present work’s inclusion of foil, is reinforced by the reflective properties, literally projecting the image of the viewer into the work as a distorted contradiction to the flawless celebrities who remain almost out of sight and of reach. Echoing his artist’s statement, Lynch combines this mundane medium and asks the viewer to pause, consider the implications of contemporary society, explore formal properties and, indeed, reflect.

Brendan Lynch is a founding member of the Still House Group from Red Hook, New York. The group functions as a self-facilitating art production hub, gallery and dealership. Their practice is conducive to promoting individual talent and subverts traditional methods of art diffusion in the public sphere. Bypassing typical gallery representation, the Still House Group have retained ultimate control over the placement and movement of their works and their reputation for capturing atmosphere of the contemporary conscience has propelled them to widespread acclaim. Brendan Lynch has exhibited work at White Cube, London;  Zabludowicz Collection, London; Museum Dhondt-Dhaenens, Deurle; Fondazione Museo Pino Pascali, Polignano A Mare; Brand New Galley, Milan; The Fireplace Project, New York; Jonathan Viner, London; Galerie Rodolphe Janssen, Brussels and OHWOW, Miami amongst others.