David Lynch was a painter and plastic artist before he became a director. Perhaps some had recognised this in his films. For the others, this exhibition shows for the first time, through an extensive collection of paintings, photos, over 500 drawings as well as short animation films; his first steps into film-making. David Lynch was involved in the design of the entire show - from the industrial feel of the presentation of the painting on metallic structures accompanied by a sound landscape designed accordingly, the fact that most pieces are not dated therefore erasing any chronology, to the mystery of black velvet curtains in the theatre set up to watch the films - to create his personal atmosphere.
Does it help us understand the world of David Lynch? In a way yes, as we learn about tangible origins of Lynch’s work; his influences, his obsessions and his vision: "…the possibility of abstraction that film and painting have in common… If one comes from painting, one knows that the story in a film can contain abstraction…”. The exhibition may answer some questions; it will also spring new ones.

- Delphine Dalquié -

David Lynch
THE AIR IS ON FIRE
The Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain - Paris
March 3 to May 27 2007
Exhibition curartor: Hervé Chandés
www.fondation.cartier.fr