'David Reed, one of America's most remarkable contemporary painters, is celebrated for his unique approach to colour, light and movement in abstract painting. Known for his large horizontal canvases and brushstrokes that seem almost digitally rendered, Reed fuses traditional techniques with modern influences. His work often evokes a sense of cinematic movement, blending his love of abstract expressionism with a contemporary digital-influenced aesthetic.
In this exclusive interview, Reed shares his artistic journey, beginning with his childhood in San Diego, where he was profoundly influenced by the modernist architecture of his home, designed by his uncle John August Reed.This environment strongly influenced his artistic sensibility. Inspired by artists such as John McLaughlin, Reed explores the language of colour and space, examining how subtle variations in tone and form impact the viewer's emotional response. Reed also discusses his recent exhibition, Whirlpool, and the inspiration behind these works, including his desire to create 'open' paintings that draw the viewer's gaze inwards and then outwards - an effect similar to the cyclical movement of a whirlpool.
Reed also looks back on his time at the New York Studio School, where he met influential artists and teachers, including Milton Resnick. Resnick's mentorship, often intense and demanding, challenged Reed to rethink his approach to painting, particularly in relation to composition and form.This experience at the Studio School was pivotal for him, reinforcing his commitment to painting, despite the prevailing feeling at the time that painting was outdated.
Throughout the conversation, Reed develops his artistic philosophy, emphasising the importance of colour as a means of emotional expression and psychological depth. His personal homage to Barnett Newman in one of his works reveals his ongoing dialogue with art history, even as he remains deeply invested in the possibilities of abstraction. For Reed, painting is not just an artistic practice, but a powerful means of exploring the human experience.'
