Another side of Dylan

While he’s considered one of the world’s most respected singer-songwriters, Bob Dylan’s achievements as a painter and draughtsman are less well known.

But now, The Drawn Blank Series – a new exhibition at the City Art Centre – provides a fascinating insight into another side of the cultural icon.

It is the most complete exhibition of Dylan’s art so far assembled.

Based on a large number of drawings and sketches originally made on the road between 1989 and 1992, Dylan completed the paintings during a burst of creativity in 2007 and 2008.

These paintings, which are in gouache and watercolour, feature a range of images – street scenes, cityscapes, interiors, landscapes, portraits and nudes – often reflecting the style of Dylan’s music and poetry.

Some critics have compared the collection with the work of the German expressionists, while the influence of Matisse, Picasso and Warhol can also be seen.

Dylan first developed an interest in painting and drawing following a motorcycle accident in Woodstock, New York, in 1966. He later went on to draw some of his own record covers.

GOOD TO KNOW: The Drawn Blank Series is at the City Art Centre from 31 January to 15 March 2009.