CHROME: David Parrish

Exhibition Overview: 

CHROME: David Parrish celebrates the masterful work of Huntsville-based artist David Parrish, renowned for his extraordinary skill in photorealism. This exhibition highlights his evolution as an artist, from his early career as an aerospace concept artist to his acclaim as a leading figure in American Photorealism. Featuring paintings from the Huntsville Museum of Art’s permanent collection—the largest collection of works by David Parrish—this retrospective showcases Parrish’s technical brilliance and thematic explorations across multiple phases of his career.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1939, Parrish’s journey in the arts began with an education in Fine Arts at the University of Alabama, initially aspiring to magazine illustration. His path shifted when he joined Hayes International in Huntsville, where he honed his skills as a concept artist, ultimately leading him to photorealism. In the 1970s, Parrish gained national recognition for his intricate motorcycle paintings and later, his porcelain still lifes depicting American pop culture icons. 

A pivotal figure in the American Photorealist movement, Parrish was not only known for his sharp focus on Americana but also for his award-winning contributions to the genre. His meticulous technique and unflinching attention to detail set him apart as a leading artist in photorealism, elevating the genre to a level of artistic refinement and cultural relevance. Parrish’s work, often reflecting themes of American identity, popular culture, and the complexities of everyday life, continues to resonate with audiences today. 

This exhibition is a rare and significant opportunity to experience the full scope of David Parrish’s artistic legacy. By showcasing the breadth of his career, CHROME underscores Parrish’s profound influence on the American art scene and solidifies his place as one of the most important artists in the Photorealist movement. This retrospective not only celebrates Parrish’s technical brilliance but also his lasting impact on contemporary art.

Exhibition Sections:

• Defining Photorealism: This section introduces Parrish’s role in shaping the photorealist genre alongside his contemporaries.
• A Critique of Photorealism: Examines how Parrish’s work challenged viewers’ perception of reality and representation.
• Porcelain Icons: A collection of Parrish’s meticulous still lifes of American icons, rendered in delicate porcelain forms.
• A Changing Style: Explores Parrish’s stylistic evolution, showcasing how his themes and techniques transformed over time.

Contents:

• 27 paintings and drawings
• Publications, advertisements, and personal effects chronicling Parrish’s career

Space Requirements:

2,000 square feet

Rental Fee and Terms:

• $20,000 for a 12-week rental period, plus round-trip shipping via an approved fine art carrier
• Additional weeks are available at a pro-rated rate
• A 50% deposit is due upon signing the rental agreement, with the remaining balance due within 30 days of the exhibition’s opening date at venu

Tour Dates:

Exhibition available to travel in 2025 and beyond

Checklist:

A detailed checklist is available upon request. 

For further information or to book this exhibition, please email curatorial@hsvmuseum.org.