The Art of Survival

David Lee Roth returns. Well, his head does.

Comments (0) By Lilia Menconi Thursday, Jan 31 2008

Back in the ’80s, by the time he pulled on his spandex in the morning, David Lee Roth had already received five offers of a BJ. But now, hair plugs and failed reunion tours equal total burnout. David Lee should talk to artist Kenneth Richardson, who reinvents Roth in a way that would surely kick-start a helluva comeback. One of the paintings in Richardson’s new “Survival” solo show is a beautifully rendered yet menacing T. rex body with a screaming David Lee Roth head.

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“I guess, in some ways, age or aging is part of the show’s theme — the ability to adapt to your environment in a silly or bombastic way,” Richardson says. “The dino-celebs are funny comments of ‘still’ trying to ‘live the dream.’”

Survival is something Richardson knows about. One of the originating board members of the Roosevelt Row Community Development Corporation, he joined five15 Gallery five years ago and has been president of the collective for two. “Survival” is his final show at the gallery, but with such original ideas, we’re sure Richardson will successfully reinvent himself, as well.

Fri., Feb. 1, 5-9 p.m.; Saturdays, 1-5 p.m.; Fri., Feb. 15, 5-9 p.m. Starts: Feb. 1. Continues through Feb. 23, 2008