Scott Listfield's Astronaut Paintings Explore Memory and Legacy
Scott Listfield, celebrated for his surreal depictions of astronauts, elaborates on his artistic journey and the poignant piece "We Who Remain." This 60x40-inch oil painting, crafted for a solo show at Thinkspace Projects in Los Angeles, draws inspiration from the Graffiti Towers in downtown LA. In this work, Listfield reimagines the deserted skyscrapers as a tribute adorned with names of friends, family, and ancestors, delving into themes of memory, mortality, and legacy. The astronaut acts as an observer in a landscape filled with cultural remnants and unfulfilled promises. Originally from outside Boston, Listfield's serious painting career was ignited by a college art course, blending science fiction, pop culture, and personal narrative. After more than ten years as a full-time artist, his recent works increasingly reflect on family history and loss.
Key facts
- Scott Listfield creates oil paintings featuring astronauts in landscapes filled with modern symbols and cultural memory.
- His work "We Who Remain" was created for a solo exhibition at Thinkspace Projects in Los Angeles.
- The painting measures 60 by 40 inches and is among his largest canvas works.
- It was inspired by the Graffiti Towers in downtown Los Angeles, abandoned high-rises covered in graffiti.
- Listfield populated the painting with names of friends, relatives, and ancestors, transforming it into a personal archive.
- He grew up in a small town outside Boston and studied in Italy and Australia.
- He began painting seriously after taking an art class in university.
- His work combines science fiction, pop culture, and autobiographical themes.
Entities
Artists
- Scott Listfield
Institutions
- Thinkspace Projects
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Boston
- Italy
- Australia
Sources
- AATONAU —