The concept of transformation — in theory and practice — has a firm place in Dean’s painting. Though his work looks highly rendered, he employes an active process of editing. Normally, he paints on wood or plastic panels employing customized stencils. Utilizing the dialogue established between different painting techniques, these stencil-applied graphic elements are integrated with areas that Dean paints freehand. Line, edge, and texture are very important to him as well. To accentuate these formal concerns he often paints things like the sky last, which creates a shallow, imbedded quality to the painted imagery underneath. The effect works to maximize the visual tension on the painted surface, challenging the logic of what naturally should be in front and behind. As the picture develops there inevitably comes a point for revision, that he achieves by sanding and reworking areas to bring them back to a zero state. This ability to erase allows him to maintain precision without forfeiting spontaneity and improvisation.

By Dean Monogenis