Dimebag Assassination Artist Hits Back
“I didn’t mean this painting to be offensive, but I am not in the least bit sorry if it is,” says the artist behind a painting depicting the assassination of Dimebag Darrell.
Tom Sanford had the following to say about the controversial piece: “It seems that my 2005 painting ‘The Assassination of Dimebag Darrell’ is going back to auction and this has re-ignited the ire of Dimebag’s fans. In fact I learned of the auction through a surge in the regular trickle of hate mail/criticism that this piece engenders. Roadrunner Records’ blog, called Blabbermouth, posted a short (and I thought remarkably fair) article about my painting and the upcoming Phillips de Purdy auction. This post was picked up by various other metal blogs and was heavily commented on by their readers. The post linked to my website, and lead to an onslaught of email to me. Most of the email amounted cursing me out while accusing me of crimes ranging from poor taste to exploiting the death of Dimebag. I guess that I am guilty of both.
“Back in early 2005, when I made the painting, the reaction of Dimebag’s fans was actually not on my mind. I was interested in this tragedy as a historical event that occurred in our media saturated world, but was without a defining image of the event. Normally the pervasive 24-hour news and infotainment industry is able to define newsworthy events with an image or video. In this case the event was only captured in the accounts of witnesses who saw the horrific event live at the Alrosa Villa. This afforded me an opportunity to make a painting that might be the only visual depiction of the tragedy, and yes, I exploited this opportunity.
“In my defense, I thought it to be an extremely significant event, and one that needed to be remembered. I thought my painting might help remember the tragedy. The painting is certainly in poor taste, but I think that when one is describing a mass murder, etiquette is really not an issue.
“Poor taste is pretty much the baseline criteria for my work, so fundamental to my project that I really do not consider it when I make a painting. I have no interest in being in good taste. My work is always subjective, inaccurate and incorrect, and I stand behind this position. I am, however, surprised that metal fans would be so sensitive to taste, as it seems that there genre of music operates in a context without taste. For fuck’s sake, Dimebag played a guitar with a rebel flag painted on it! For any non-Americans who might read this, the rebel flag is a symbol of the civil war-era American south. While it is not solely a symbol of a pro-slavery political position, it cannot be divorced from this meaning, much like the swastika is forever linked to the holocaust. While I would not pretend to know Dimebag’s views on anything, and certainly not race, I do think this guitar shows he was not concerned with issues of etiquette or sensitivity to people’s feelings. I would hope I would be allowed a similar social leeway as a fellow artist. Neither paintings nor flags kill people — crazy fucks like Nathan Gale do.
“More generally, I certainly respect anyone’s right to get their panties in bunch about something they find offensive. But I can’t help but be amused by the irony of this particular situation. The iconography of metal heavily features imagery of violence. The culture police police are constantly complaining about its offensive and obscene song lyrics. Many, many metal albums depict images of war, rape, murder etc etc. And when the PMRC (et al.) complain, I would be the first to tell them to shove it up their ass.
“I didn’t mean this painting to be offensive, but I am not in the least bit sorry if it is. That is not to say that I don’t empathize with the family and friends of Dimebag and all the victims, their loss must have been horrible beyond anything I can comprehend. But art’s job is not to be polite.
“I guess this little dust-up between me and a few vocal metal fans gets at larger issues in my work and I am glad to get the chance to address them. For the most part, I am of the opinion that most contemporary painting has little relevance in our larger culture, except for that some paintings can be extremely valuable luxury goods. But since I really love making paintings, and it’s all I’ve ever been much good at or interested in, I try to think of ways to make paintings that are relevant memes in our current context. I admit that I fail at this often, however all of the hubbub around this painting confirms it as a success in terms of my criteria (despite its extremely low monetary value judging by auction estimates!) I honestly didn’t make this painting with the intention of being transgressive (and I have made things with that goal in mind and would gladly admit it). That being said, the fact that this painting is so extremely controversial in some circles is a testament to the power (that) a painting can have and i guess this is extremely empowering for artists.”
Loading ...
what did i say guys!
all Dimebag stuff aside… the painting is seriously crap, it looks like a childs drawing
Good call Eddie!
Someone should shoot this prick and then paint a picture of it. See if his family like it. Fucking dick.
RIP Dimebag
I am, however, surprised that metal fans would be so sensitive to taste, as it seems that there genre of music operates in a context without taste. For fuck’s sake, Dimebag played a guitar with a rebel flag painted on it! For any non-Americans who might read this, the rebel flag is a symbol of the civil war-era American south. While it is not solely a symbol of a pro-slavery political position, it cannot be divorced from this meaning, much like the swastika is forever linked to the holocaust. While I would not pretend to know Dimebag’s views on anything, and certainly not race, I do think this guitar shows he was not concerned with issues of etiquette or sensitivity to people’s feelings…………….. (Sorry Tom Sanford this shit doe’s not wash with me, i was a slightly pissed off before, now i’m plain old fucking offended. Suprised by metal fans are you!!!!! we are normal people not subhumans you seem to depict us as, if i ever see your name in an obituary i will take my crayons and draw your demise and sell it, and i bet nobody would give a fuck if i did either, Fuck you and your offensive childish art).
It never ceases to amaze me how fickle some people are. How many times has someone in the metal industry offended someone outside of it. In countless songs, interviews, or even album art. But we just laugh it off and say there being uptight or whatever. Metal Hammer are big hypocrites and it seems alot of there readers are as well.
I started off a little conflicted about this issue. Part of me wanted to defend the artist for his right to freedom of expression, part of me wanted to condemn him for his tasteless cash in on a metal icons death. But now I’ve thought about it I have come to the conclusion that although it is in very poor taste it’s not the end of the world and it’ll take more than some brush strokes on canvas to tarnish the memory of Dimebag.
I’m not saying everyone has the right to do or say what they want and call it art or freedom of expression, far from it. That would allow racists and bigots the opportunity to get away with spewing hatred. I know stopping them from doing so is control of a sort and goes against the philosophy I’m trying to put forth but as we all know, there are no absolutes in this world. No black and white, just shades of grey.
But the artist is allowed his opinion even if he does sort of contradict himself. He claims his work is insensitive and in poor taste and he doesn’t care about that yet he claims he never meant to offend anyone with the Dimebag piece. That’s the artworks equivalent of saying ‘You’re all wankers…but I’m sorry for saying so…but I don’t care anyway’.
Whatever happens, people will always have an opinion on this guy and his future works. Dimebags memory will live on with his legion of fans, of which I’m one. This painting doesn’t stop me from listening to Dimes music and neither does it change my opinion of him. It’s just an artist trying either to shock people for the sake of it or to gain notoriety or he was honestly clueless that he would garner such a reaction.
Dimebag lives on through music and in the hearts of his family, friends and fans. All this is is a painting.
Now, let’s crank the Pantera till the speakers explode and stop affording this artist more free publicity.
Where can I see this painting? I’m betting it’s seriously poor, technically speaking, not to mention the crass subject matter. But, to be fair, crass subject matter is hardly new to us in metalworld (Angel of Death is one our ‘anthems’, right)? so I’ve no idea why anyone, other than people that actually knew Dimebag, should be offended.
crap painting, crap artist, move on.
Oh dear. I’ve seen the painting now and it really is very poor. Very poor indeed. Not even worth talking about.
Don’t care what ye think, it’s a shite painting and still in poor taste. RIP Dime. FOAD “artist”.
the reason we as metal fans can enjoy the imagery that is clearly so violent and controversial is because it is impersonal, the people in the pictures are not real, theyre not based on real people (with a few exceptions) but this painting is of the murder of someone real, someone who undoubtedly was one of the most loved people in the metal world, and THAT is what hits home
i mean i get what the guy was trying to do as an artist but i think he needs to research the link between style and subject better next time, clearly this 80s-90s cartoonish style is not fitting to the event depicted
we all miss dime, but calm the fuck down! the man can paint what he wants…if you don’t like it, don’t look at it!
Art, whether visual or audible, is very, very subjective, and artists who push the boundaries of comfort will always come under attack from those wishing to censor it due to a lack of understanding of the artist or the meaning of their work.
Whether you like his work or not, this guy is obviously honest about his reasons why he paints such subject matter and comes across as an intelligent fellow. Painting such a scene DOES NOT endorse its subject matter, any more than a war film endorses war. Indeed, if this were the case then Metal would be fucked… do Maiden endorse the use of medieval torture? Cannibal Corpse really endorse Meat Hook Sodomy? And surely Dimebag and Pantera didn’t endorse being Fucking Hostile!
This is art that chooses an horrific event as its subject, as does the Bayeux tapestry I believe and countless other pieces of art. Give this guy a break – as we would expect our Metal artists to be. If nothing else, it’ll serve as a reminder of an appalling act that should never be forgotten. In the words of ‘Cyco’ Mike Muir… “did I offend you? Oh, I’m sorry, but maybe you needed to be offended”.
Jesus this Dimebag thing is getting a bit pathetic now, the guy died 4 years ago, yeah it was tragic, but seriously let it go, stop bitching and sending death threats to anyone who thinks that maybe, just maybe, enough time has past and we should all just get on with our lives.
Yeah,but does anyone here think that Vinnie Paul or Rita Haney or any of Dime’s family and friends would want to see a picture like this out there? The artist claims that its a ‘historical event’ but four years ago isn’t that historical- the wounds are still pretty fresh for them and the artist doesn’t seem to have any feelings for that. Instead he’s hiding behind the ‘I can do what I like.. as long as its art’ excuse. Which in this case is a little sickening.
your all talking like women. shut the fuck up
Like a child’s drawing? Really? I admit, its not fantastic but it deserves more credit than that. The guy makes a point with it. When i saw it, i thought, “fuck, whats going on today?” And to be fair, if it was lady gaga or something we’d be giving him credit.
After all, freedom of speech/expression and all.
RIP Dimebag…
woah man… who cares who it is really… the fact is he is expressing himself and what he feels important ( which is what metal is all about)… as for whoever said its 4 years fresh so not historical – thats crap since all history is taken from source material from the time of event hence his painting will be seen as accurate (as art goes anyway).
Quite simply, the guy can paint a picture of whatever the hell he likes. Freedom of expression and all that jazz. You don’t have to like it, and he doesn’t need to care whether you think it’s disgusting or not. The fact that so many people are pissing and moaning about is only making the painting more infamous and will basically mean that when it goes on auction it’ll be worth even more.
But yeah I think the painting sucks too haha
Fair play. I do agree with what he’s saying. Whereas I don’t particularly like this painting, I don’t give a fuck about what anyone thinks of my work. Why should any artist? End of the day, it’s about freedom of expression. Look at all the depictions of Christs death, and other such things throughout art history. The main things that make up artwork are love, death, sex, war… The list goes on. Art isn’t supposed to be nice and pretty, it can be, but a lot of the time it really isn’t. Anything in the past is history, ten minutes ago is history. This guy is an artist, and thats his life, as is mine. I respect him for defending this, I would do exactly the same.
I love Dime, and I think the painting sucks…
but I’m not gonna get all butthurt over what the painting is. Get over it, guys. How many people do you think have been offended by metal lyrics?
Aesthetics of Hate 2
painting suck but seriously why r u guys pissed cuz its offensive….is metal not one thing thats considered offensive by everyone else and metalheads always say theres nothing be be offended about its art i mean cmon yeah dimebags dead is sad but what about all the other painting and drawings about that how r they really any different from this one (minus they were done better)
who gives a fuck…Dime kicked arse
seems maturity levels are pretty low these days.
the world still revolves doesnt it, time to ignore the bullshit…..pricks like this live for hatemail and shit like that you all are only givin them what they want!
Some of you guys are saying that metal’s lyrics offend people. That is true to an extent, but it’s not my point. My point is this. Do metal artists go ranting on and digging up shit all over other people’s deaths? I think not. Out of all of the metal i’ve listened to, i’ve never heard a peep of anything like that. My 2 cents.
How the fuck can this waste of skin keep living. He says metal fans have no taste. He could not be more wrong. How can he say he’s like Dimebag in being an artist, Dimebag was a hero and this ass hole is a zero. If icould meet this dude I’d gladly kick his ass just for Dimebags memory. I draw pictures and sometimes paint but never of somebody respected or even not respected being killed. He sould open his eyes and realise that ofending the rock genre is not a good especialy with such an icons identity. He his riding on the death of a rock god. If he reads this ROT IN MOTHERFUCKER!!!
being completely fair dimebag is dead its a fact, we have to accept it and part of accepting it is not throwing tantrums every time someone speaks of it
that being said however I do not hate dimebag, I am just realistic about the subject and accept the fact spamming someone with death threats will not bring dimebag back
and no I do not support every thing this man has done, he has doubtlessly made mistakes, but haven’t we all?
finally I know that posting this will make me a liable subject for spam, but do not usher away your substance less arguments go ahead it wont bother me overlay it will merely prove that your are lacking in maturity
We are all reminded of the tragedy every time we listen to Pantera. We don’t need some 3rd rate painting to remind us. The twat is trying to cash-in. He says he’s not sorry if it’s offensive- he set out to do this obviously- these types of artist are an insult to real art- like Dime’s music.
For fuck sake, some people need to calm down and stop getting so irate over this. Trying to act all hard over the internet with shit like “If I could meet this dude I’d gladly kick his ass just for Dimebags memory.” and “Someone should shoot this prick and then paint a picture of it” etc
Stop acting like fucking kids.
Freedom of expression is possibly the last true thing we, as a human race have… one mans poison is another mans medicine.
I’ll will defend anyone to have their right to paint (as long as it is artistic and not explointing a minority, race or child) what they want.
At the end of the day, all this has done is upped the profile of the artist and given him more publicity. If you don’t like it, don’t look at it. You’re entitled to your opinion… but if everyone in the world liked/disliked the same things, it would be a boring existence.
As i said before though, it’s not my type of art at all… but i do defend his, and everyones right, to paint any subject with few exceptions.
For the people saying “shoot the artist, kill the artist etc.”, surely you can have a more valid argument instead of sounding like a moody teenager in a weekly’s forum.
well said alan.
and vazzer, the money is going to charity. and if you are talking of the publicity he is getting for his name, its because all you moany bitches are giving it to him. but lets just remember, DIME was murdered by some fucking twat, who had god knows what kind of problems, not this painter!
If you are all really so fucking angry, turn on your stereo, turn it to ten and blast some fucking ‘tera!
fuck…
Well. This is an ugly debate I’m reluctant to wade into, but I have to say that the artist has a good defence. Metal art/lyrics/etc. are rarely tasteful and metal often lacks a conscience as well, so it is a bit hypocritical for metalheads to be criticizing this dude. Although, it is good to see that metalheads do have a conscience after all and do sometimes choose to draw a line in the sand. Otherwise, the whole scene would scare the shit out of me.
sanford is completely right in everything he said. i don’t like the painting, and no, it’s not in good taste, but i’m glad he did it, and i’m glad he’s not phased by a few hypocritical metalheads who think they can decide what art should be allowed to be.
The fact that this bloke intended to profit from this tragedy, is nothing short of reprehensible, disingenous and disrespectful. He is nothing more than a whore.It shows a lack of empathy for his family and his fans.
Anyone who is offended by this should be scrutinizing their record collections for Slayer albums, because those contain a great number of references to murderers/the murdered:
‘Dead Skin Mask’ – A song about notorious American serial killer Ed Gein.
‘213′ – A song about notorious American serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer.
‘Angel of Death’ – A song about Nazi scientist Josef Mengele who conducted horrific experiments on captured Jews during WWII.
That’s just what I can think of off the top of my head… Metal lyrics are full of references to real-world atrocities and the individuals affected by them.
If you’re offended by this painting, and you’re a metal fan you’re either feigning it or you’re a hypocrite of the highest order.
Saying get over it when it comes to Dimebag’s or anyone’s death is an ignorant thing to say. Nearly 5 years on & I still can’t listen to In This River by BLS without getting choked up, same as when anything reminds me of a loved one who has passed. I’ve just looked at the painting and although I can’t deny the artist has talent it is something that I don’t want to look at again!
I remember the day after Dimebag’s murder watching Fox News (not something I’m proud of) and they wheeled out fans and the usual talk radio djs (pure evil) and in his closing statements one of them had to get a shot at Dimebag & metal in general in. I wish I could remember his name as I would say “Most of all Mother Fucker..FUCK YOU!!
The legend, the music lives on and so does his memory. This Coors is for you dime!
I personnaly can not see the difference between Tom watsisname painting a picture of Dime getting shot and Slayer writing songs about Nazi human experimentation.
Your lives must be very boring if you’re getting worked up over THIS!
first off the painting is shit, secondly its not offensive just badly portrayed. Dimebag was a legend i dont think anyone is denying that! but it confuses me when all these people are talking about how great Dime was but yet he is still not winning the front cover poll!!!! i mean Hammer are doing a tribute album to dime with the likes of machine head etc doing covers of Pantera. the tribute album comes with the 200 issue surely that is a fitting reason to truely show the world that DIMEBAG STILL LIVES ON!!! RIP!!!
Dimebag was a mediocre guitar player who was unfortunately shot on stage.
End of story?