Buzz Lebowski 2013

Dave Macdowell painted "Buzz Lebowski" with acrylic on wood, in a style that merges pop culture icons. Acrylic paint is a distinctly modern material, developed in the mid-20th century. The artist has used its capacity for bright, graphic application to full effect here. Notice how the paint sits on the surface of the wood panel, creating a smooth but tangible layer. This directness of application lends itself well to the subject: a playful combination of the Dude from "The Big Lebowski" and Buzz Lightyear from "Toy Story." Both of these characters represent very different kinds of cultural production, from independent film-making to Disney's vast animation industry. By bringing them together in a hand-painted format, Macdowell highlights the way that images circulate, are consumed, and are re-made in our minds. The result is a humorous commentary on contemporary culture.