David Dolan - A Lost Medium and Regained Art

Oct 9

A BEAUTIFUL ACCIDENT

In the mid-1980s, David Dolan discovered an entirely new artistic frontier by experimenting with nitrocellulose lacquer pigments. What began as a beautiful accident, a mesmerizing blend of chemicals and pigments, quickly evolved into an obsession, pushing him to master an unpredictable and volatile medium. Over the years, he developed groundbreaking techniques to tame the chaos of nitrocellulose lacquer, producing paintings with unparalleled depth and texture. Each piece was unique, driven by the many variables of temperature, humidity, and even barometric pressure that made replicating his work impossible. The world couldn’t get enough.

David sold hundreds of these paintings, each a testament to his unyielding persistence and innovation. And while the joy of seeing his work in homes and galleries brought him immense pride, a part of him wished he had kept more, knowing these pieces would be impossible to recreate.

THE LOST MEDIUM

In 1998, his art world came to an unexpected halt. The EPA's regulation changes, while environmentally necessary, altered the composition of nitrocellulose lacquer forever. The pigments and chemicals David relied on were no longer available or reformulated, stripping his work of the uniqueness he had spent decades perfecting. His medium was gone, and with it, his ability to create the art that defined his career. By 2009, his stockpile of lacquer was exhausted, and he believed his creative journey with the medium had ended for good.

But David’s story wasn’t over. Thanks to AI and his partnership with Kaleidoscope, a new chapter is unfolding. We’re helping David reignite his passion for creating, blending his artistic talent with AI’s precision to explore new realms of creativity. While his lacquer may be gone, AI offers a way for David to craft works that capture the same uniqueness and depth, this time with new tools at his disposal.

THE STAR MAN

And if you thought David's medium was eccentric, wait until you hear about the gear he wore to create it! David wasn’t just an artist—he looked like something out of a David Bowie sci-fi film. Decked out in custom-made headgear and a full-body suit, David would step into his studio like a futuristic craftsman, ready to wield the volatile chemicals and pigments. This wasn’t just protection—it was part of the performance, part of the creation.

Now, with Kaleidoscope, we’re bringing that same avant-garde spirit to a new era of art. David’s work is coming back to life, blending his artistry with the innovation of AI. On October 20th, 2024, join us at Mana Contemporary for Artists vs AI, where David and other incredible talents will showcase new pieces that push the boundaries of what’s possible.