Byronesque, 2012
 
The art of Dan Witz evokes a sort of hyper-real trompe l’oeil technique, his digital and oil creations giving the viewer the impression they’re about to be enveloped into a mosh pit. The detail and life in his subjects are rendered uncanny as they explode from their featureless “non-space”—we see no bar, no doors, no defined walls, rarely even a floor. It is as if they’re moshing in the æther. Strange perspectives and stylized repetition also add to a slightly “off” feel of the work—Witz both captures the crowd and takes it out of context—the effect is electric. Witz’s work is too informed by old master painting techniques to be described as mere photorealism.

His “Byronic” series depicts the moshers as heroes in the fray, and the Romantic treatment of such modern subjects feels both intuitive and acute. However, Witz doesn’t stop at skinheads, hardcore kids and heshers. Depicting a rabble of businessmen and a pack of dogs, he thereby extends the definition of “mosh pit.” The parallels force the viewer to think about space and collectivity. His solo exhibition “NY Hardcore” will be on display at Jonathan LeVine Gallery in New York City until May 3.
 

Byronesque 2, 2013
 

70 Commercial St, 2012
 

70 Commercial St, 2011
 

ABC No Rio, 2011
 

Lotus Lounge, 2010
 

Mosh Pit, 2010
 

Dogs Fighting, 2002
 

Grand Central Station, 2007
 
Via Hi Fructose