The Big Lebowski
Coen Brothers, 1998
The Big Lebowski (wikipedia) occupies its own strange corner of cinema. It shouldn’t hold together as well as it does, but is built on a deadpan absurdism that rewards repeated viewing. The Coen Brothers’ meditation on bowling, rugs, and the philosophy of doing nothing particularly well has accumulated a genuine cult following and a rich visual identity.
The film’s color palette, its mix of grandiosity and squalor, and the way it finds meaning in the meandering all resonate with Brian’s sensibility. It’s one of his favorite movies, and he’s done several paintings of characters and scenes.
“For my 46th birthday, The Inkwell hosted a Lebowski-themed party, with attendees dressed as characters from the movie. I offered one of my signed prints as the prize for the constume contest.
Congratulations to Stephen K Webster (who was the crowd favorite as ‘Best Dude’). It was awesome, thanks to everyone who came!”
— Brian Barnard
There are about ten different prints inspired by the film: some are available at his shows and booths, if they’re in stock.
A way to order prints on the web is coming. (Like, we’ll do it when we get around to it, man. Kind of got a lot going on right now…just, chill.)