The idea for this painting took shape during a quiet moment on a redeye flight from Denver to Philadelphia, while Dunn sat in darkness, lost in thought. The three figures depicted are close friends who frequently spend time together, allowing Dunn to see them almost as characters in a play or television show. While no specific narrative was envisioned, the scene itself appeared vividly in the artist’s mind from the outset. Remarkably, the final painting remains strikingly faithful to that initial vision, with only a few subtle alterations.

This piece hints at a narrative driven by the distinct personalities of its subjects — a moment suspended between deadpan humor, an undercurrent of foreboding, and a touch of magic. It raises the question: does art imitate life, or does life imitate art? Nearly two years since its creation, the real-life stories of the subjects have taken unexpected turns, a continuing evolution that mirrors the themes within the painting. Dunn describes the style as a form of “academic painterly surrealism,” blending an alla-prima technique with expressive brushwork reminiscent of abstract expressionism. This energetic surface treatment adds excitement upon closer inspection while resting upon a carefully constructed composition. The design, rooted in abstraction, guides the viewer’s gaze across the canvas, creating a sense of visual movement. For the artist, this painting served as a personal tour de force during the year of its creation.

Kerry Dunn currently lives and works in Philadelphia and serves as Artistic Director at Studio Incamminati.