The New York-based painter tells us about his favourite books, artists and creative experiences
If you could live with just one work of art, what would it be?
Maybe a sweet little Raphael or Botticelli. A Leonardo is too fancy, probably—too much responsibility. Maybe a Watteau. I don’t know; definitely not something too big, so that I can carry it out if there is a fire or something.
Which cultural experience changed the way you see the world?
Living in New York has taught me that culture is mutating. Culture is difficult to diagnose and only occasionally do I feel it is present. A lot needs to be parsed through to realise what might be. Perhaps the definition of culture has been corrupted. As an artist, it is difficult to discern whether something is culture or spectacle. I like the non-profit spaces in New York: Artists Space, the Drawing Center, White Columns, Participant and the Kitchen are all places that feel cultural. It’s not a stretch. Those places are definitely focused on culture. Seeking and searching for culture is a lifelong challenge. Going to museums in New York when they are not too crowded is probably my greatest cultural experience. I need more.
Which book most challenged your thinking?
Thinking back, it was probably the Bible. This book was forced on me for the first 18 years of life. It taught me that things do not make any sense but you have to deal with it anyway. It’s a disparate bunch of garbage written with authority. I wonder who wrote it? Read more