/David Wesley White
@davidweswhite
David Wesley White
Fernando in Chrome
Inspired by: Kenro Izu, Blue #1010B Shelley Reed, Predator/Prey (after Oudry)
chrome plated bronze pool light face ring, glass flushmount LED light, inkjet print on holographic chrome paper
10″ x 10″ x 2″
2025
Like Kenro Izu, this piece explores the abstracted and aestheticized body. Fernando is seen hovering just below the surface of the water in a pose that seems both relaxed and dangerous. The obstructed face suggests introspection or transcendence, while the sculpted legs in the forefront ground him in reality. Exploring chrome as a color—the holographic print is framed by sparkly glass and steel, appearing both monochromatic and full of color depending on light and setting. The piece also relates to the work of Shelley Reed, whose circular and grayscale compositions feature light, texture, and dramatic subjects.
@davidweswhite
David Wesley White
Burn, Dig, Filter, Fly
Inspired by: Robert Adams, Bulldozed Slash Harvey Sadow, Fire and Flood/Sacred Sites
video
7:00
2023
Though harmonious visions of utopia exist in our imaginations, religious texts, and political aspirations; humans stand in stark contrast to the environment that surrounds us. Our hands are often working away, finding ways to change our material conditions—for better or worse. The truth is, we can not survive without our ability to master the elements. However, the anthropocentric mindset of modern man has led to the disarray and death of so many life forms, and the overall balance of earth. Burn, Dig, Filter, Fly juxtaposes the sheer magic of our environment with humanity’s incessant need to intervene. Satisfying visuals are compounded with toxicity—a pristine pool filled with lethal chemicals; a roaring fire consuming manufactured waste. The duality of the piece speaks to Robert Adams’ Bulldozed Slash, Tillamook County, Oregon, and Harvey Sadow’s Fire and Flood/Sacred Sites. Opposing forces—two hands can do more than just pray.
davidweswhite
All-American Cowboy
Wrangler cowboy shirt, jeans, used wool socks, leather “Hyper Tough” work gloves, bandana, PBR beer cans, wig, polyester resin
2024
Cherry Tree (The first cut is the deepest)
digital performance collage printed on canvas, gold frame, stick, Martha Stewart topiary ball, red pom-poms, wire, dad’s axe, costumes, red velvet
2024
Dead Presidents
video, 0:10:30
2024
Earshot
rubber costume ear, gemstones, glass beads, red paint
2024
Cowboy Hat and Bolo Tie
cowhide, suede cord, flexible fabric glue, masking tape, thread, nylon cord scorpion belt buckle, rope, electrical tape
2024
Declassified (Do your duty)
bedsheets, polyester batting, inkjet ink, cloth medical tape, thread, wood rolling pin
2024
Foreign Policy (Bend the Knee)
styrofoam, Ultraflex 1 tile mortar, cement colorant, hand restored antique desk, aluminum vase, graphite, oil, rubber tube, thin brick, cork board, salt, sand, wood shards, driveway debris
2024
History repeats itself, first as tragedy, second as farce
wood porch columns, architectural pediment, antique wringer, wood cut letters, Tiger Tales Toys plush bald eagle, half-moon claw-foot table, wood, stain, Palais White Behr house paint, king-sized waffle blanket, oil paint, thread, curtain scrap, reference image of pre-colonial Washington D.C., land of the Anacostans
2024
Lincoln’s Hat (Sweet dreams)
Peloton bike mat, nylon string, flexible shoe glue, black cord, red velvet, gemstones, glass beads, American flag, memory foam pillow
2024
New Deal Sound Mazuma
vintage towels, thread
2021
Old-Timer
pinstripe suit, red neck tie, dress socks, black gloves, old-man mask, patent leather dress shoes, wood dowels, super glue, polyester stuffing, cedar shoe trees, polyester resin
2024
Oval Office ASMR
video on clear prison monitor, $10,000 stolen from the Oval Office
2019
Patriot
trench coat, khaki pants, long-johns, white socks, white gloves, vintage shirt, feathers, old man mask, polyester resin, feather quill
2024
Powdered Wig
skull cap, wool rope, fabric scraps, flex foam fusible stabilizer, nylon thread, satin ribbon
2024
The Power of the Pen
fabric, flex foam fusible stabilizer, nylon thread, canvas, felt, pleather, water launchers, spray paint, epoxy, glass vase, oil, tempera paint, sheetrock, Article I, Section 8, Clause 11 of the United States Consitution
2024
Warmonger
dad’s snowsuit, army Halloween mask, teal synthetic rope, black cotton gloves, wool Dickies socks, folded socks, polyester resin
2024
Untitled (light speech)
video on Telescript presidential monitors
2024
Gold Coin (Vote replica)
lazy Susan, gold paint
2024
Political Paraphernalia
Performance artifacts
2024
David Wesley White
Jingoist Jester Hat
White House souvenir snapback, vintage American flag, cotton, thread, down goose feathers, various fabric, yarn, bell
24″ x 24″ x 84″
2021
This tongue-in-cheek jester hat sarcastically critiques American imperialism by turning symbols of war into a playful headpiece. The American flag has been cut up and crafted into spires with colorful, frilly details. The medieval court jester played an important role in medieval Europe—to entertain, educate, and challenge the ruling class, much like artists and comedians in the modern era.
@davidweswhite
David Wesley White
You can obliterate a watermelon, but the seeds still grow
Inspired by: Henry George Todd, Study of Strawberries
paper mache, dye, acrylic paint, watermelon seeds, plastic sprouts
15″ x 15″ x 9″
2024
In the vein of still life, a ripe display of fruit is rendered in visceral detail. While the strawberries in Todd’s painting subtly allude to the fragility of life, White’s sculpture confronts the viewer with a stark depiction of violent dissolution. Although the shredded flesh of the fruit is barbaric and hopeless, the inclusion of sprouting seeds points to resilience and new life.
@davidweswhite