Are you looking for music that’s more than just something to play in the background? How about art that’s more than just something to hang on the wall? Dallas is home to some great artists, musicians, and filmmakers. In fact, the burgeoning Dallas art scene is breaking new ground every day! So buckle up, as we take you on a tour of diverse Dallas artists. These are the ones to watch right now:
1. Ulnae
Part theater, part visual art, and part sound collage – this act is pretty much a multi-sensory attack. Ulnae is a duet made up of vocalist Lily Taylor and cellist Darcy Neal, who dip into their bottomless bag of audiovisual tricks to present a show of experimental, free-form music combined with elaborate costumes and performance art. Ulnae is a must-see for anyone looking to expand their artistic horizons, and who isn’t afraid of a journey into unknown and unique realms. This is just one example of how Dallas is home to music and performance artists breaking free of the typical country twang stereotype.
2. Josiah Rizzo
Writing creatively since the age of five, Josiah Rizzo’s many influences range from Charlie Chaplin to Wes Anderson. He is a member of RAW, Dallas’ own artistic collective made up of creative individuals from around the globe. Rizzo’s new film, KIDZZ, is an ambitious project about a guy making a movie about a group of kids making a movie. His artistic style has solidified Rizzo in the minds of critics as something of a Gen Y Fellini.
3. Robert Jessup
With visual art ranging from playfully surreal to downright nightmarish, Jessup’s work is impossible to ignore. On one end, Jessup’s paintings are enticing studies in lyrical motion (see, for example, Falling People). However, Jessup has a darker side as well, which showcases a flair for the dreamlike and grotesque. One thing is certain: Robert Jessup is never boring. He is definitely a Dallas artist to keep an eye on.
4. Gwenda-lin Grewal of Hardly Alice
The name of Dallas native Grewal’s design company is meant to invoke the spirit of Lewis Carroll, and Ms. Grewal does not let that great spirit down. Hardly Alice is all about lace – teasing, playful, sultry, and yes, even functional. But don’t let that last word fool you. Ms. Grewal’s wearable art is a madcap foray into the nonsensical, rendering her high-brow threads into a beautiful splash of insanity in a buttoned-up world. Lace suspenders? Why not!
You may unfasten your seat belts now. Wasn’t that a wonderful ride? We hope dipping your toes into these artsy waters was enough to make you want to jump in up to your ears. After all, these creative forces are buzzing all around you! The Dallas art scene is alive and well, and these are the artists that are making it happen.
Photo by ruthieonart
Suzy S.