Featured image: Sunset at the Beach, David Griffith, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 24 x 36 in. / 60.96 x 91.44 cm.
David Griffith’s paintings reflect a bold intersection of surrealism and social commentary, where nature, technology, and human ambition collide.
David Griffith is a surrealist painter whose acrylic works explore themes of environmental degradation, human isolation in the digital age, and the consequences of industrial greed. His detailed, vibrant paintings offer critical reflections on modern society.
Through his vibrant acrylic works, Griffith creates visual narratives that challenge the viewer to think critically about humanity’s relationship with the environment, isolation in the digital age, and the relentless pursuit of resources. His pieces use surreal imagery and meticulous detail to convey powerful messages about modern society, exploring themes of exploitation, environmental destruction, and the complex dynamics between solitude and connection.
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Migration, David Griffith, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
In Migration (2024), Griffith paints a vast landscape of large green leaves, creating an overwhelming scene of human figures laboriously making their way through a dense jungle under falling snow. The juxtaposition of tropical flora and wintry weather hints at environmental imbalance, while the multitude of figures lost in the landscape evokes feelings of chaos and struggle. Griffith’s use of perspective draws the eye deep into the painting, highlighting the isolation of individuals in the midst of a collective journey. The work invites viewers to reflect on migration as a universal experience, not only of people but also of plants and animals as they navigate a world shaped by climate change and human impact.
"Alone Together", David Griffith, 2021, acrylic on canvas, 28 x 22 in. / 71.12 x 55.88 cm.
Alone Together (2021) takes viewers on a cosmic journey, depicting a satellite orbiting a planet surrounded by the vast emptiness of space. The scene’s dark background, dotted with stars, emphasizes the cold isolation of the technology floating in orbit. The title, Alone Together, suggests a duality: while the satellite exists to connect people across vast distances, it itself remains isolated. The cosmic setting serves as a metaphor for the paradox of connectivity in the digital age—while we are more connected than ever, we often experience profound isolation. Through this piece, Griffith raises questions about technology’s role in shaping human interaction and the loneliness that can come from living in a hyperconnected world.
Gold Mine, David Griffith, 2024, acrylic on canvas, 36 x 24 in. / 91.44 x 60.96 cm.
Griffith’s Gold Mine (2024) takes on a dystopian tone, depicting an oil rig set atop a desolate landscape littered with bones and skulls. The drilling tower rises from a sea of remains, symbolizing the relentless exploitation of natural resources and the human cost of such endeavors. The skeletal imagery and barren environment serve as grim reminders of the consequences of unchecked industrial ambition. The use of bright colors contrasts with the somber subject matter, drawing viewers into a visually captivating yet disturbing scene. Griffith critiques the destructive consequences of greed and resource extraction, positioning Gold Mine as a cautionary tale about humanity’s environmental footprint.
David Griffith’s art challenges viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about humanity’s impact on the environment, technology, and each other. His surreal, intricate paintings offer a sharp critique of modern life, exploring themes of exploitation, isolation, and survival. Whether depicting chaotic migrations or dystopian futures, Griffith’s works are powerful visual narratives that resonate with contemporary global issues. His use of vivid colors and surreal details invites reflection on the complex relationships between nature, technology, and society, making his work not only visually striking but also deeply thought-provoking.
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Closed Out, David Griffith, 2022, acrylic on canvas, 40 x 30 in. / 101.6 x 76.2 cm.
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