Post Apocalyptic Tattoo, an exhibit of reverse paintings, sculptures, prints and drawings by New York artist D. Dominick Lombardi, will be on display at the Housatonic Museum of Art September 24 - October 23, 2009.

The artwork presents a view of the future, as filtered through the designs of a tattoo artist. The significant mutations seen in the anatomy of the various characters depicted in the works are the result of centuries of exposure to transgenics in foods and various pollutants.

“Dominick’s works show severely damaged characters who have survived a horrific environmental apocalypse,” said Robbin Zella, director of the Housatonic Museum of Art. “His dark vision certainly asks us to stop and reflect on his message,” she said.

“The project is rooted in Lombardi’s concern about the fate of the planet,” she said. “His work, as he says, is about 'where we're headed as a species in this world in which humans are guinea pigs in a larger experiment and grab for power and money run by sinister enterprises,’” she said. “Indeed, they are victims of a slow apocalypse, being altered by degrees over time.”

His mutant creatures include Blue Boy, whose innards spill down his legs; his sweetheart, the rubbery-boned, turquoise-lipped Twister; Big Foot, who perambulates on a single massive foot; and Clown, who dies early on in the story from an enlarged hair follicle on his tongue. Nonetheless, they show an enthusiasm for life that belies their infirmities, making the best of a truly bad situation.

Central to the tale is the unseen Tattoo Artist, whom Dominick channels and chronicles by producing all these drawings, paintings, and sculptures. Lombardi is the medium by which Tattoo Artist is made visible.

“Are you the Tattoo Artist?” Dominick was asked once. “No,” he said. “I’m the vehicle for the Tattoo Artist who’s sending these images to me.”