DL Warfield
The DOPE Show STL
Sophie’s Artist Lounge
October 7, 2023 – February 24, 2024
Artist Talk October 7, 4 – 5pm
Opening Reception October 7, 5 – 8pm
*Walk in Gallery Hours for Sophie’s Artist Lounge are Wednesdays to Saturdays, 5pm – 1am. Private gallery visits can be made for all galleries by appointment. To make an appointment, and for questions or concerns, please contact wryn@kranzbergarts.org or (314) 533-0367 ext. 105
ARTIST STATEMENT
The DOPE Show STL is a retrospective show from DL Warfield that features works from his creative origins, inspirations as well as works from his DOPE Collection. Warfield received his BFA in painting from Washington University in 1992. After college, Warfield has created visuals, products and fine art that’s consistently helped move the needle of pop culture. From fashion, sports, lifestyle brands, fine art and installations, he has successfully carved out his own lane. Andre 3000 from the Grammy award winning duo Outkast once said “I love working with DL because he thinks differently at the drop of a dime”.
In his early years much of his pastel, oil and acrylic artwork was used commercially for editorial and advertising projects. His influences were artist such as Degas, Modigliani, Tony Wade, Gary Kelley and Thomas Blackshear. Today Warfield’s art is mainly viewed in the fine art arena and he currently has placements globally.
DL started making the DOPE Collection in 2015 and some of the pieces that will be shown in the DOPE Show STL features artistic collaborations from several renowned fine artists. It will also give the St. Louisians an opportunity to see some of DL’s AmericanFlagRemix™ pieces that are in collections nationally. Visitors will also get the opportunity to view Warfield’s notes, sketches and concepts for album covers that he’s designed that have helped music artists generate over $800 Million in revenue which will become wall murals at Sophie’s and hopefully inspire the next generation of young DOPE artist!
ARTIST BIO
DL Warfield, the Atlanta-based conceptual artist, is an unyielding visionary whose level of creativity and innovation stands unchallenged. With a prolific career spanning decades, Warfield’s talent has consistently reached the highest echelons of artistic excellence, making an enduring impact on both the fine arts and the corporate world.
Hailing from St. Louis and an alumnus of Washington University, Warfield’s journey into the creative realm began with a bachelor’s degree in painting. But it was the transition to a creative career at Edison Brothers Stores, Inc. that set the stage for his artistic ascent. As a clothing designer and product developer, Warfield honed his skills, crafting garment designs and logos for prestigious fashion chain stores, solidifying his position as a formidable force in the design world.
The turning point came when he joined Tommy Boy Records in New York City as head designer for their clothing line. This marked his introduction to the music industry and eventually led him to Atlanta, where he would become the creative director at LaFace Records. Working closely with CEO Antonio “L.A.” Reid, Warfield brought to life the creative visions for iconic recording artists like Usher, OutKast, Pink, TLC, T.I., and even Michael Jackson. He also became an official artist for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, contributing his artistic touch to the Games’ official album, Rhythm of the Games.
