Bio:
David B. Abbott's work throughout the 1990's and into the new
millenium addressed contemporary political & social issues
earning him the nickname of "social realist". The
themes in his paintings are as varied as the rise & fall of
the religious right in the US, political volatility &
unfolding events around the globe and gay & lesbian politics
in the wake of the HIV crisis.
Extensive world travel coupled with avid
photo documentation and observance has given his subsequent
acrylic work its distinctive, realist immediacy. David documents
interactions on film, found anywhere from the backwoods of the
European countryside to Main Street, America, and adapts them in
acrylics. Moving through daily exchanges and surroundings, his
varied characters visually compose their experiences of strife,
intimacy, duress, tension or basic companionship. Many of the
pieces reveal a tongue in cheek sense of humor allowing their
subjects to laugh at themselves.
David was born and raised in the Boston
area and educated at the Massachusetts College of Art. Moving to
New York City, David's large color fieldwork caught the attention
of the interior design director at Lord & Taylor's who used
only his paintings for the walls of it's model rooms exhibit.
During the 1980's, David switched his
medium from painting to photography, experimenting with the human
form for the first time.
As the nineties began and into the 21st Century, David has resumed
painting, creating digital images and working on a full-time basis for various
non-profits. David is currently the office manager for Drug Policy Alliance. www.drugpolicy.org
He has also traveled extensively soaking up the
atmosphere, color and the people he met, incorporating them into
his large figurative acrylic works.
Abbott's 30-year career includes
exhibitions in Boston, New York, Key West, Miami (South Beach),
Fire Island, & Long Beach and San Francisco(CA).
