Collection: Daniel Johnston, The love of nothing is something, April 15-July 16

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des pair books is pleased to present, The love of nothing is something, a drawing show by Daniel Johnston.

Daniel Dale Johnston (b. Sacramento, California, 1961; d. Waller, Texas, 2019) was an American singer-songwriter and a significant figure in the indie music scene of the 1990s, loved by David Bowie, Sonic Youth, Henry Rollins, Lana del Rey, Bright Eyes, and many others. Kurt Cobain mused that Daniel Johnston was the best song writer in America.

In addition to music, Johnston expressed himself through enigmatic drawings full of the same raw energy and sincerity that attracted fans to his songs.

The works included in “The love of nothing is something” deepen our understanding of Johnston as an incredibly prolific, world-building artist.

Like his music, Johnston’s drawings display an overwhelming sincerity and are replete with authentic emotion. Although he struggled with mental health issues for much of his adult life, Daniel triumphed over his illness through his prolific output of art and songs. He inspired countless fans, artists, and songwriters with his message that no matter how dark the day, ‘the sun shines down on me’ and ‘true love will find you in the end.'

Johnston was celebrated for his visual art and showed his work at museums and galleries internationally, including the Whitney Museum of American Art’s Whitney Biennial in 2006. Several books and documentaries have been made about his art, music, and life, including the award-winning documentary The Devil and Daniel Johnston (2005). Today, the Hi, How Are You Project, created with the support of Johnston and his family, generates awareness and ongoing dialog about mental health in Daniel's honor.