Sunflowers (2012)
Signed Print

Sunflowers is a celebration of how natural beauty exists in curated, colourful ways in suburban and urban America. The piece draws inspiration from Impressionist traditions while incorporating Dylan's distinctive layered, narrative quality that echoes his musical storytelling approach. His style employs prominent display of the sunflowers enhanced by expressive brushstrokes and a contrasting background that elevate their visual presence and emotional impact.

The work contributes to Dylan's broader exploration of American culture, encapsulating the essence of everyday life and the beauty in these brief and subtle encounters. The sunflowers serve as both literal documentation of his touring observations and metaphorical representations of optimism and resilience, reflecting Dylan's ability to discover profound meaning in the landscapes and natural elements that surrounded his extensive travels across America. This 2012 release coincided with another landmark year for Dylan, when President Barack Obama awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom in May, America's highest civilian honour. Obama praised Dylan's voice for its “unique gravelly power that redefined not just what music sounded like but the message it carried and how it made people feel”.