John Lurie!

John Lurie (born December 14, 1952) is an American musician, actor, and painter, best known for his role in the avant-garde music scene and the No Wave movement of the late 1970s and 1980s. He co-founded the Lounge Lizards, a jazz-punk ensemble that blended experimental and traditional jazz influences. Lurie also acted in several independent films, including Stranger Than Paradise (1984) and Down by Law (1986), solidifying his reputation as a key figure in the underground art world.

Picture of John Lurie

Though Lurie was initially known for his music and film work, chronic illness (later revealed to be Lyme disease) forced him to step away from performing. In the early 2000s, he turned to painting as his primary form of artistic expression. His works, often whimsical and surreal, feature expressive figures, animals, and humorous or poignant text. Lurie’s style is raw and intuitive, reflecting his self-taught approach.

His paintings have gained recognition in the contemporary art world, with exhibitions in galleries across the U.S. and Europe. His work has been collected by notable figures and institutions, further cementing his legacy beyond music and film.

John Lurie continues to paint and share his work with a devoted audience. In 2021, he released the HBO series Painting with John, a follow-up to his cult-favorite Fishing with John (1991). The show blends his reflections on art, life, and creativity with footage of him painting in his home in the Caribbean. His unique, introspective storytelling and humor continue to define his artistic identity.

Gokyuzu can't be the word for the sky, it should be the name for the pig farmer, Watercolor on paper, 2020