If a pictures worth a thousand words, why would an artist want to paint language? Prior to the Cubists, not many did; since then, words have been important subject matter for artists working in every medium. Nowadays, we are equally at ease with words in art as we are with images. Yet the use of language, as opposed to imagery, still represents a form of creative rebellion—and what better pop stance of upheaval is there than rock ‘n’ roll. Erik den Breejen, an artist and musician, is fascinated with song lyrics. He uses them as subject matter for his colorful paintings and drawings—depicting the lyrics in handmade block lettering and script writing on painterly grounds. The placement of the lyrics constructs both a visual and mental game that creates new meaning. Popular rock music, including glam, psychedelic, progressive, proto-punk and indie, is the artist’s preferred subject. Den Breejen is attracted to love songs expressing desperation. He identifies with the romantic and social angst of singer/songwriters such as Elvis Costello, Morrissey and Elliot Smith—the more emotional the lyrics, the better. Den Breejen says that when he has a moving experience, he thinks of a song that goes with it and then begins a new work. There is an aspect of fandom involved in the work, but Den Breejen is not focused on the personal lives of the performers or on their greatest hits. As with the transformation of any subject matter, his is an interpretive role. It begins with a passion, but in the end the formal elements carry the day. - Paul Laster, Looking for Love in a Looking Glass World, Freight & Volume Magazine, Issue 2, Winter 2007/08 Image: Erik den Breejen, Heroes V (After David Bowie), 2020. Acrylic on linen, 28 x 22 inches. On view in the exhibition "Seeing Red, Looking Blue, Feeling Green," curated by Paul Laster at Marquee Projects in Bellport, Long Island, NY, through Sept 18, Fri-Sun, 11am-5pm @marqueeprojects @erik_den_breejen #art #contemporaryart #painting #abstractart #musicandart #erikdenbreejen #davidbowie #wecanbeheroes #marqueeprojects #bellport #longisland #ny