David Syre: The Black Drawings

SARAHCROWN, New York, NY

March 1 - April 1, 2023

For his signature style of drawings on black paper, Syre uses a form of quick and powerful gestures, referencing a recurring set of themes throughout, such as the universe, landscapes and architecture, tribute to the land, and totems. His technique often involves bold, fast-paced lines and strokes, and an intricate composition of vivid colors. In art critic Jessica Holmes’s words, “the saturated colors are infused with an added luminescence on the dark page, as are the artist’s strokes, which are simultaneously lush and masterful. Though abstract, the twinned themes of love and space emerge from the artist’s confident line in its suggestions of universes, labyrinths, totems, clowns, and other mythical creatures and places.” The exhibition The Black Drawings gathers 30 of over 4500 drawings, offering a compelling glimpse into a universe built over decades by Syre, one artwork at a time. The Black Drawings reveals this unique world to the viewer, shining through the darkness of the paper in lush colors and vigorous gestures of Syre.

In 2022, SARAHCROWN published a monograph on Syre’s works on paper titled The Black Book of Drawings. The book will be available to view and to purchase throughout the exhibition. 

SARAHCROWN

373 Broadway #215

New York, NY 10013

www.sarahcrown.com | info@sarahcrown.com

Thu-Sat 12-6 and by appointment.