Reinvention and Rejuvenation: The New Works of Lance Dehn�
By Monique Reno-Gaffey
Upon first glance it is very apparent that the transient quality of the evanescent pastel hues of Lance Dehn�’s new paintings represent a subtle but definitive change in his approach. Differing greatly from his previous work, which included whimsical compositions full of dancing colors and humorous abstract representations, his current work has a more meditative feel. Vast textural expanses assimilated with small quirky figural representations coat the surface of the paintings revealing the mechanical undertones of the drafting paper below. The juxtaposition of these two surfaces keeps in tune with his "artineering", a term he coined to describe his melding of his expertise in fine art and engineering in his work.
Dehn� has reinvented his work in the same fashion as one would remodel a new machine. Simplified forms replace colorful static compositions resulting in an end product that is more complex and conceptual. The sculptural essence that is very prominent in this new style can be accredited to Dehn�’s ongoing fascination with machinery. The aerodynamic feel of the paintings exudes an aura of sophistication. With an unmistakable resemblance to the early paintings of Joan Miro, Dehn�’s figural components are also reminiscent of the delicate wire and sheet metal machine-like mobiles of Alexander Calder. It is hard to imagine that the paintings could not serve as blue prints for intricate intimate machines. The innovative sculptural feel pulls you in, demanding careful attention to all of the idiosyncrasies: aggressive graphite contour lines, thick impasto appliques, geometric cut out shapes, print on labels, even a free hanging deconstructed tea bag. These elements are carefully disguised underneath transparent layers of paint, which add life to the compositions. Hints of figures and flying objects emerge out of the surface, giving you the feeling that they could begin to spin and move on their own with a slight gust of wind.
Although Dehn�’s new style is powerful in its sculptural aspect; he still utilizes bold use of color, to which he is known for. The vibrant hints of yellow ochres, cadmium reds, and cerulean blues activate the negative space of the opposing subtle subdued colors in the background. The colors serve as flickers of light illuminating and giving life to the compositions and as in his previous work, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder.
With his expertise in engineering literally shinning through, his new style signifies the artist’s exploration with sculptural and representational techniques, transforming his work from detailed paintings into painterly mixed media constructions. The incorporation of these new themes into his work successfully attributes to Dehn�’s fresh, modern and innovative collection. His original statement "…conceptual ideas are rethought, reworked, fine tuned, and molded into a functional and aesthetic product…" is an adequate reflection of the constant metamorphosis that his work is continually undergoing, represented in his newest works.
