IT HAPPENED HERE, Oil on canvas, 2017-2020, 60 x 72
Pierre Merkl, P. I.
The Painting Detective
Pierre Merkl (born in New York City) was a licensed private investigator for 35 years—a detective painting the activities, motives and modus operandi of witnesses, victims, suspects and perpetrators; along with innocent human beings.
Merkl’s paintings are celebrated for creative tongue-in-cheek tableaus of imagined people and questionable activities—inspired by the dark, urban underside. The artist delivers a unique, painterly film-noir style suggesting mystery and confrontation.
The work is accomplished, displaying the technical finesse and majesty of the old masters—infused with the psychological edginess and intrigue of the German Expressionists. He has been active in New York City (currently) and San Francisco since the 1970s.
Write: pierremerkl3@gmail.com
Recent
2014 to Present
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FALL, FALL; TIME IS COMING TO ITS DULL BRIGHT UNENDING FINISH, Oil on canvas, 2019-2020, 48 x 60
THE MUSICIANS & TECHIES BRAWL, Oil on canvas, 2017-2020, 48 x 48
I WAS JUST YOU BEING ME, Oil on canvas, 2017-2020, 36 x 48
THE COLOR OF DYING AND BEING BORN AT THE SAME TIME, Oil on canvas, 2016-2019, 60 x 48
PEACE PROCESS, Oil on canvas, 2017-2020, 60 x 72
LIFERS SEARCH FOR DELIGHT, Watercolor on paper, 2019, 22 x 30
Scenes Schemes & Genes (Skeins)
EXHIBITION CATALOG 2008-2014
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EXHIBITION CATALOG 2008-2014
Situations, Segues & Encounters
EXHIBITION CATALOG 2000-2007
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EXHIBITION CATALOG 2000-2007
Death & Life
1980 to Recent
DEATHMASK, Charcoal on paper, 1989, 12 x 18
DEATHMASK, Intaglio etching with watercolor (EV), 2000, 11 x 14
LIVELY WOMAN, Oil on canvas, 2018, 24 x 18
SANDRA, Watercolor on paper, 1988, 30 x 22
EMILY DICKINSON, Watercolor on paper, 1988, 30 x 22
PORTRAITS IN DEATH / COMMISSIONS.Clicking will open PDF in new window
Writing
Backstory
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Getting Lucky: Documentary of the life and work of Pierre Merkl
Pierre Merkl met Robert Dowd and his wife, the artist Mara Devereux in 1971, and remained close until their deaths. Merkl is the executor of the Robert Dowd Estate; he contributed to this catalog by Michael Zakian.
Dowd back cover
Pierre Merkl met Richard Faralla in 1986, becoming his student, studio assistant and friend. Merkl remained close to Faralla until his death, and curated the Faralla memorial exhibition in 1996. Merkl contributed to this catalog by Patricia Watts.
Faralla back cover
