Bob Dylan: The Drawn Blank Series

Surely Bob Dylan—legendary musician, outstanding lyricist, film director and radio broadcaster—cannot be a convincing painter as well? Irritatingly, yes. Currently, the City Art Centre is hosting an exhibition of paintings by the artist inspired directly from sketches made whilst on tour between 1989 and 1992. It's a unique opportunity to see America through his eyes.

At the at the top of the escalator leading into the exhibition, hangs a large photograph of Dylan. He sits relaxed, but gazes intensely and confidently, and this confidence continues throughout. Dylan’s style is deliberate and his execution appears effortless, so much so that many of his pieces maintain the energy and often unfinished appearance which make sketches such an interesting window into the methods of an artist. Colour is fundamental to his work and his choices are convincing and assured. His many studies are taken from unconventional angles, through windows and framed by construction work. It becomes clear that he enjoys the beauty hidden in simplicity and subtlety of subject matter.

The exhibition open and playful and, in spite of Dylan's galling talent, it is hard not to enjoy. His many accomplishments present themselves as clues to understanding "the man behind the music," and this collection is not a disappointing lead. Through returning to these sketches almost two decades after their initial creation a new depth and lyricism is added to his work. There's nothing illusory or elusive about this work; here is a solid and self-assured gaze at a new side to Bob Dylan as an all-round artist.