Thomas Zanz

Happy Places-44 (series).

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in.

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm.

Includes custom case.

 2015

Happy Places-44 (series)

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm

2015

Happy Places-44 (series)

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm

2015

44 individual paintings

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm.

Each of the 44 paintings have their own case so you can bring the happiness wherever your travels take you.

Complete Installation Painting

59 1/2 in x 255 1/4 in x 2 1/2 in

151.13 x 648.34 x 6.35 cm

"Happy Places-44" is a series of 44 very happy paintings. All are of identical size.  When the entire series is displayed together or in groupings, it is referred to as "The Wall of Happiness ".

It is a color chart study consisting of 11 columns and 4 rows. Each column is a study of an individual color.

As the paintings are disbursed, they create happy places.

Each of the 44 paintings have their own case so you can bring the happiness wherever your travels take you.

The color of the lettering on the outside of the case signifies which of the 11 columns the painting belongs.

 2015

Happy Places-44 (series)

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm

2015

Happy Places-44 (series)  

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm

2015

Happy Places-44 (series)  

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm

 2015

Happy Places-44 (series)

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm.

includes custom case.

This painting creates a happy place!

Milky Sugar 3-8, 12-28

2013

acrylic on white linen framed

15 3/16 x 11 13/16 x 2 1/2 in

38.58 x 30 x 6.35 cm

A Ready-Go: Includes custom display/shipping/storage case.

Developments 23-28  

2013

acrylic on white linen framed

15 3/16 x 11 13/16 x 2 1/2 in

38.58 x 30 x 6.35 cm

A Ready-Go: Includes custom display/shipping/storage case.

2013

28 Individual paintings each with custom case.

acrylic on white linen, black linen, or canvas  framed

15 3/16 x 11 13/16 x 2 1/2 in

38.58 x 30 x 6.35 cm

A Ready-Go: Includes custom display/shipping/storage case.

case: 17 5/16 x 12 5/16 x 2 7/8 in

43.97 x 31.27 x 7.30

The Milky White-28 series consist of 28 individual paintings all of identical size. Each has an individual custom case for display, shipping, and storage. The case fits into a standard large shipping box and doesn't  require additional packing material.  When hanging; the case should be hung to the right or below the painting.  This combination painting/case creates a "Ready-Go".

Film of A Ready-Go (30 second demo)

2013

HD video, color, sound, 30 seconds.

A Ready-Go: Includes custom display/shipping/storage case.

In this example, a FedEx Large Box is used. (You can also use other carriers such as U.P.S., all  the carrier's standard large shipping boxes have the same dimensions).  With Fedex's OneRate shipping, you can ship a Milky White-28 anywhere in the U.S. for only $19.95.

Milky Dangerous  2-2, 6-28 

acrylic on black linen framed

15 3/16 x 11 13/16 x 2 1/2 in

38.58 x 30 x 6.35 cm

case (In this video, the case cover is not completed;the final product is burnished).

17 5/16 x 12 5/16 x 2 7/8 in

43.97 x 31.27 x 7.30

A Beautiful Sunrise 1-9 

2010

Acrylic and oil on white linen framed

30 7/16 x 30 7/16 x 2 1/2 in  

77.61 x 77.61 x 6.35 cm

A Beautiful Sunset 9-9 

2010

Acrylic and oil on white linen framed

30 7/16 x 30 7/16 x 2 1/2 in  

77.61 x 77.61 x 6.35 cm

2013 

Installation painting

9 individual paintings overlapping hung in an elliptical pattern, acrylic and oil on white linen framed, installation view.

55 7/16 in x 27 ft  x 5 in

140.81 cm x 680.56 cm x 12.7 cm

 Sound: Autour De Lucie, Faux Movement, 2001, 50-minute 12-second loop @ 40 decibels (same sound level as small raindrops). 

Click here to listen to two sample sound tracks.

Hardware for sound ("A Beautiful Nude 7-9"): Apple iPod Nano (insertable), two speakers, speaker cable, USB cable, USB power adapter, wood, hanging wire, various fasteners.

Hardware for video ("A Beautiful Film 2-9"):  LG-26" LED HDTV, Sony blu-ray DVD player, surge protector, HDMI cable, TV & DVD remote controls, aluminum bars, wood, hanging wire, various fasteners.

This installation painting is displayed in an arch like the sun moving across the sky from sunrise to sunset.

For more information please refer to the  future blog.

Beautiful-9 (series)

2010, 4/7/13 (sound added)

30 7/16 x 30 7/16 x 2 1/2 in  

77.61 x 77.61 x 6.35 cm

Acrylic and oil on white linen framed. 

Sound: Autour De Lucie, Faux Movement, 2001, 50-minute 12-second loop @ 40 decibels (same sound level as small raindrops).

Click here to listen to two sample sound tracks.

 Verso and inset:  Apple iPod Nano (insertable ), speakers, speaker cable, USB cable, USB power adapter, wood, hanging wire, various fasteners.

Painting and sound. It is important to have the correct sound level. It should be difficult to hear.  As the viewer comes upon the painting, they can detect a slight sound.  They are drawn in.  They come closer and closer.  Next thing they know, they're leaning into a beautiful nude (at least the words "a beautiful nude").

Autour de Lucie is an indie pop band from Paris.  The french vocals and overall composition are an ethereal beauty!  The sample sound tracks are only two of eleven. They can be found by clicking here. You should really listen to the entire album.  

The album is meant to play in a continuos loop.  But, just in case, the iPod is easily accessible by simply inserting your thumb and index finger into a dugout in the the top of the frame. You can pull the iPod up to access the commands.  When completed, the iPod drops back down out of sight. Ideally, an electrical outlet is located directly behind the painting. If hung in the installation painting "Beautiful-9" it can share an outlet with "A Beautiful Film 2-9". Please refer back to the "Beautiful-9" tab for the complete series.

2011

Installation painting

10 individual paintings overlapping hung in a rolling/wavy pattern, acrylic & oil on peasant linen framed,  installation view

44 1/8 in x 21 ft 10 in x 5 in

112.08 x 665.48 x 12.70 cm

Somersaulting. Please begin by reading the word phrases from left to right. Please note the somersaulting effect.

Each individual painting is constructed with a slant on all four interior sides. Please look for the pink on the edge of the linen. This not only creates a distorted look,  but also contributes to the somersaulting movement.

For more detail on this piece, please refer to the future blog.

2014

Installation painting

7 individual paintings hung in a drooping right pattern, acrylic & oil on linen and canvas framed, installation view.

51 in x 12 ft & 2  5/8 in x 2 1/2 in

129.54 cm x  372.43 cm x 6.35 cm

A religious installation painting. Each individual painting has a  word phrase in the lower section of the linen.  Moving left to right they say: "Earth is the best planet to live on,"  "Christianity is the best religion,"  Islam is the best religion,"  "No religion is the best religion,"  Your religion is the best religion,"  "My religion is the best religion," and written upside-down "Terrorism is the best religion." 

The Christianity painting has "Catholic vs Protestant" and the Islam painting has "Sunni vs Shia" written on the bottom face of the frame. Each painting has "Enlightenment" written on the top face of the frame, except the Earth and No Religion paintings.

Please refer to future blog for more details.

Islam is the Best 3-7

2014

acrylic on white linen framed

36 x 17 3/16 x 2 1/2 in

91.44 x 43.66 x 6.35 cm

(left painting)

No Religion is the Best 4-7

2014

acrylic on white linen framed

36 x 17 3/16 x 2 1/2 in

91.44 x 43.66 x 6.35 cm

(center painting)

Your Religion is the Best 5-7

2014

acrylic on white linen framed

36 x 17 3/16 x 2 1/2 in

91.44 x 43.66 x 6.35 cm

(right painting)

Sunrise-12 

2009

acrylic and oil on canvas framed

23 x 44 x 2 1/2 in     

58.42 x 111.76 x 6.35 cm

2009

12 Individual paintings

acrylic and oil on canvas framed

23 x 44 x 2 1/2 in     

58.42 x 111.76 x 6.35 cm

The Sunrise-12 series consist of 12 individual paintings all of identical size.  For images of individual paintings please refer to the "Sunrise-12" tab.

Additional details about this series will appear in a future blog.

2012

Installation painting

4 individual paintings overlapping, acrylic and oil on linen or canvas framed, HD video, charcoal on newsprint under glass, installation view

54 9/16 x 110 1/4 x 2 1/2 in

138.59 x 280 x 6.35 cm 

Film:  Life Cycle, 2013, Griffin Christensen collaboration with ZanZ, HD video, color, sound, a performance by Thomas ZanZ.

Full-length film: 131:26 minute loop.

Please click here for film trailer.

Drawing:  Melancholy Man, 1985, Thomas Christensen (Thomas ZanZ),  charcoal on newsprint under glass.

18 x 22 5/8 in         45.72 x 57.47 cm

Hardware (A Death 4-4):  LG-26" LED HDTV, Sony Blu-ray DVD player, Nielsen Metal frame, surge protector, HDMI cable, foamboard, TV & DVD remote controls, aluminum bars, wood, hanging wire, various fasteners.

Stages of life; childhood, midlife, old age, and death. The looping film integrated into the upper right corner reveals insights into the paintings and charcoal drawing.

The film also explores ordinary day to day life interrupted by extraordinary moments of good and bad, excitement, comedy, seriousness, arousal, and some plain old nonsence.

Please watch the entire trailer to get a feel.  Please click here for film trailer.

The charcoal drawing of the old man with a Soviet Union and American flag draped over his head is placed directly below the looping film. The film represents his thoughts and reflections at death. 

More information will follow on the future blog.

A Childhood Cycle  1-4

Life Cycle-4

2012

acrylic on white linen framed

54 9/16 x 28 11/16 x 2 1/2 in

138.59 x 72.87 x 6.35 cm

A Midlife Cycle 2-4

Life Cycle-4

2012

acrylic on peasant linen framed

54 9/16 x 28 11/16 x 2 1/2 in

138.59 x 72.87 x 6.35 cm

A Death 4-4 (detail, verso)

Life Cycle-4

2012

LG-26" LED HDTV, Sony Blu-ray DVD player, Nielsen Metal frame, surge protector, HDMI cable, foamboard, TV & DVD remote controls, aluminum bars, wood, hanging wire, various fasteners.

54 9/16 x 28 11/16 x 2 1/2 in

138.59 x 72.87 x 6.35 cm

Life Cycle-4 (series)

2012

Griffin Christensen in collaboration with Thomas Zanz.

Performance: Thomas Zanz

HD video, color, sound, 5:28 minutes.

The progression of life and life.  The Life Cycle film begins with a childhood bright, pure, peaceful  and innocent, almost like a dream. It then overlaps into midlife where we witness a performance by Thomas Zanz annihilating  both a baby blue and pink painting.  From there it overlaps into old age where we once again find peace. Then death. This progression through the life stages takes about 4 1/2 minutes. 

The life stages segment is directly followed by a 30 second spot.  Now these 30 second spots; these are what makes life... life.  They are the memorable things, good or bad.   The 29 subject matters can be exciting, commercial, funny, sexy, serious, nonsensical, etc.    

So the film is structured into the two parts;  the same life stages segment plays 29 times with a 30 second spot between each one.  Playing the same life stages segment repeatedly demonstrates when life becomes monotonous, ordinary, and dull. But, with the 30 second spots brings excitement, hope, and anticipation for something extraordinary.

Please watch the trailer where you will see the life stages segment followed by an eclectic compilation from some of the 30 second spots.

For more details, please check back for future blog and for now watch the film "Life Cycle"

Trailer: 5:28 minutes.

Full-length film: 131:26 minutes.

Number Tool 1-7 

2009

acrylic and oil on canvas framed

38 7/16 x 28 5/8 x 2 1/2 in     

97.63 x 72.71 x 6.35 cm

Life & Sex Tool 6-7 

2009

acrylic and oil on canvas framed

38 7/16 x 28 5/8 x 2 1/2 in     

97.63 x 72.71 x 6.35 cm

2009

Installation painting

7 individual paintings overlapping hung in a slight upside-down V pattern, acrylic & oil on canvas framed, installation view.

47 7/16 in x 16 ft 4 3/8 in x 5 in

120.49 cm x 498.79 x 12.7 cm

The division of brain activities.

The left brain paintings are made of horizontal lists; black and white numbers, international currency symbols, and a colorful alphabet. Secondary words "trust and confidence" are in the money painting and "hope and communicate" in the alphabet painting.

Two of the right brain paintings have dual meanings; love/hate and life/sex.  The creativity painting is a raw canvas without any color form.

More information to follow on a future blog.

Please take time to explore the site for many other interesting works, thoughts, and details. Over 200 paintings.

(Paintings this page found in "Past Work" section)

123 Crying Being, 1991, Hermosa series, (left painting)

147 Floating Tranquility, 1992, Late San Francisco series, (top painting)

151 Killer in the Church, 1992,  Late San Francisco series, (right painting)

#20, 1989, Torrance series, (bottom painting)

 2015

Happy Places-44 (series)

Acrylic on white linen mounted over handmade wood stretcher, framed.

12 5/8 x 17 3/4 x 2 1/2 in

32 x 44 x 6.35 cm