The Histrionics
Hip to Paint Squares
B.Gibson/S.Hopper/D.Kesminas/H.Lewis (1986-2002)

To DANIUS KESMINAS

 
I used to be a radical
My work was critical
But art is my vocation
Now i’m apolitical
Now i’m painting it real straight
On fellowship welfare
You might think i’m crazy
But i don’t even care
I’m telling you that less is more…

It’s hip to paint squares

I like my paintings in monochrome
I like my surface chic
You don’t need an easel
You don’t need technique
I’m using primary colours
And black and white and orange
Post-painterly abstraction
Non-objectivity
Take a look at malevich…

It’s not too hard to figure out
It’s in the magazines
Those that were the furthest out
Are driving limousines
You see them in the studio
It doesn’t look like fun
But don’t you try to fight it
An idea whose time has come
Don’t tell me that i’m crazy
Don’t tell me i’m nowhere
Take it from me…