David Lynch, visionary director and multifaceted artist, died today in Los Angeles at the age of 78.
The news was released by his official Facebook page, with a message from the family:
“It is with deep sorrow that we, his family, announce the passing of the man and artist, David Lynch. We would appreciate some privacy at this time. There is a big hole in the world now that he is no longer with us. But, how
he would say, 'Keep your eyes on the donut and not the hole.
It's a beautiful day with golden sunshine and blue skies everywhere.'”
The news comes a few days after Lynch had to leave his home in Los Angeles, evacuated due to the wildfires ravaging California. The episode had caused concern, considering his already fragile health conditions.
In 2024, the director revealed that he was suffering from emphysema, a consequence of his years as a heavy smoker, announcing that he would no longer direct new projects.
David Lynch was born on January 20, 1946 (he would have turned 79 in a few days) is an undisputed master of cinematic surrealism and a multifaceted artist as well as a painter, photographer, designer and experimental musician.
His career, marked by a boundless imagination, has crossed countless expressive languages.
THE MUSIC
In addition to his cinematographic activity, Lynch has passionately dedicated himself to music, exploring unique and surprising sounds. His musical debut came with the album Crazy Clown Time in 2011, followed by The Big Dream in 2013, both characterized by a dark and dreamlike atmosphere, in perfect harmony with his creative universe. Lynch has collaborated with artists such as Moby, for whom he directed the animated video for Shot in the Back of the Head, and Swedish singer Lykke Li.
His connection with music also extends to the soundtrack of the Twin Peaks series, created with the composer Angelo Badalamentiwhich set a new standard for music television. In 2018 he released Thought Gang, an industrial jazz album made together with Badalamenti, which remained unreleased for over 25 years. His latest album dates back to 2024 Cellophane Memories together with Chrysta Bell.
THE ART
Lynch has never stopped reinventing himself. In addition to painting and photography, he has created art installations that reflect his visionary style, such as the exhibition The Air Is on Fire, hosted by the Fondation Cartier in Paris and subsequently at the Triennale in Milan. Among his most curious projects, a humorous strip entitled The Angriest Dog in the World and a website dedicated to short films and experimental content, where every day he updated users on the weather conditions in Los Angeles.
His love of art was influenced by figures such as Francis Bacon, who he considered “the number one painter, a hero”. Lynch was able to mix this inspiration with his inexhaustible curiosity, creating wooden furniture, retouched photographs and three-dimensional works that seemed to come out of his dreams.
His deep voice, his talent and his ability to create universes suspended between reality and nightmare will continue to inspire generations. With David Lynch, a total artist leaves, a narrator of the invisible who has given shape to the most enigmatic sides of existence.
LISTEN TO HIS LATEST RECORD
PH: David-Lynch-Facebook
