“LIT: A Portrait of Bob Dylan” by Lesley Schiff redefines portraiture by presenting a groundbreaking visual biography of one of the most influential artists of our time. This extraordinary exhibit captures Dylan’s complex creative spirit across four distinct temperaments—COOL, HEAT, TIME, and SIMMERING—using a dynamic multi-image portfolio that transcends traditional art forms.
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About

This work strips away the familiar, collective perceptions of Bob Dylan—the superstar, the living legend—to uncover the heart of the child, the man, and the soul of the human and explore what’s between them. Dylan, born of his own determination, has always expressed his identity on his own terms. LIT is an exploration of that self-invention, capturing the essence of his spirit beyond the myth.

By selecting key photographs, lyrics, and iconic imagery, Lelsey’s focus became how to paint the spirit that fuels Dylan’s ever-evolving soul—the luminous force behind his unique vision. Each piece was created while listening to the music that corresponds with the era in which the photograph was taken. Thought and attention were given not only to the cultural tone of the time but, more importantly, to Dylan’s own evolving palette—how he was projecting himself at any given moment.

Typography plays an essential role in this portrait. Renowned typographer Matthew Carter created a custom typeface—Dylan’s “voice” in visual form. In the lyric panels, my artistic response was never meant to interpret or overpower his words, but to enhance and complement them—allowing the art to caress the lyrics rather than compete with them. Paul Ricci, narrative collaborator, arranged the text to further evoke the “voice” of the songs, allowing the words to be heard with the eyes.

There are no "best" lines in a Bob Dylan song—each moment in his music holds its own power. This work is not an editorialization of his art, nor is it a definitive statement. Instead, it is a response to inspiration—a visual echo of the man and his vision of life.

At its core, LIT is an invitation: to look closer, to listen deeper, to go beyond the surface and into the vast brilliance of Bob Dylan. For a generation accustomed to sound bites, this is a glimpse—a spark—meant to send them running toward the full scope of his lyrics, his albums, and his genius.