Explore the Cinematic Paintings, Welded Sculptures, and Beyond of Bob Dylan.

A comprehensive collection of the iconic songwriter’s visual art is on display for the first time in the United States

Over the span of six decades, Bob Dylan, the legendary singer-songwriter, has not only produced genre-defining songs but has also ventured into the visual arts. Widely celebrated for hits like "Blowin’ in the Wind" and "Like a Rolling Stone," Dylan, now 80, continues to perform and has received international recognition for his songwriting, controversially winning the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2016 and a special Pulitzer Prize citation in 2008. In recent years, Dylan has shifted from his musical roots, increasingly embracing painting, drawing, and even welding.

"Retrospectrum: Bob Dylan," his first comprehensive art exhibition in the United States, is a showcase of nearly 200 sculptures, paintings, and drawings, currently on display at Florida International University’s Patricia and Philip Frost Art Museum until April 17, 2022. Curated by art historian Shai Baitel, the exhibition, which initially debuted in Shanghai, China, in 2019, features works dating back to the 1960s, with a significant focus on creations from the past 15 years.

Dylan's artistic journey is marked by series that traverse diverse styles, including landscapes, Americana scenes along Route 66, illustrations inspired by his own lyrics, and vibrant depictions of cities worldwide. Noteworthy among the exhibits are Dylan's imposing iron "gates," constructed by welding horseshoes and old tools into scrap-iron sculptures.

A spotlight of the exhibition is Dylan's latest series, "Deep Focus," making its world debut in Miami. This collection comprises 40 large-scale canvases inspired by scenes from iconic movies like The Loveless (1981) and Shaft (1971). The series aims to capture and emphasize the various predicaments individuals find themselves in, focusing on single scenes from films.

Dylan's artistic evolution is showcased as a fascinating exploration, with the artist expressing how his works, spanning different styles and periods, are part of a long arc. The exhibition provides fans and art enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to witness the multi-faceted talents of Bob Dylan, offering a rich experience of his creative evolution over the years.