Figure Narratives by David Hicks

Artist Statement:

My work re-examines the grand metaphorical narrative as a way of exploring both personal content and universal themes within the contemporary human experience. I do this through creating large scale multi-figure drawings and paintings. My narratives present a mixed cast of mythical, iconic, historical, and modern-day characters, each one playing specific a role in an unfolding story and shared environment. I view the paper as a stage for me to present characters, juxtapose roles, and draw connections that literally and figuratively tie the characters in the narrative together. Composing in a metaphorical language gives me the freedom to address a variety of heavy, complex, yet all-pervasive themes without forcing a singular message on the viewer.

Credit: Exhibition overview from museum website.