Remembering David Lynch

David Lynch in Brisbane, Australia for his 2015 exhibition 'Between Two Worlds’ / View full image
The concept of absurdity was something David Lynch (1946–2025) was attracted to. Known as the visionary filmmaker behind the cult TV series Twin Peaks, Lynch’s prolific career began as a visual artist where he honed his dark, surrealist signature style. Across 60 years, Lynch produced an extensive body of works in painting, drawing, photography, printmaking, sculpture, music, and, of course, film.
In the wake of his passing on 15 January 2025 we reflect on his practice, and contribution to our widely-celebrated 2015 exhibition 'David Lynch: Between Two Worlds’.
'Between Two Worlds' was a rare opportunity to consider his entire creative vision and the relationships between his practice as an artist, filmmaker and musician. Developed closely with the artist, the QAGOMA exhibition featured more than 200 works. The Gallery's Australian Cinémathèque also commissioned Xiu Xiu to reinterpret the music of Twin Peaks, the compositions and songs by composer Angelo Badalamenti and Lynch were given a startling makeover, and American singer, model and actor Chrysta Bell, known for her collaborations with the filmmaker sang at the opening of the exhibition and concluded her set with a cover of 'Sycamore Trees'. The second special performance commissioned for ‘Between Two Worlds’ was a project by Lawrence English and Jamie Stewart (Xiu Xiu) responding to Lynch’s photographs of disused factories.
Watch | David Lynch in conversation
David Lynch while in Brisbane shared his insights into his life, his work and his many passions — painting, film, music and meditation during his visit to Australia for 'Between Two Worlds'.
Watch | Walk with David Lynch into his world
Developed closely with David Lynch, 'Between Two Worlds' featured more than 200 works and was a rare opportunity to consider Lynch’s entire creative vision and the relationships between his practice as an artist, filmmaker and musician. How many times can you say you've been able to walk into a drawing?

David Lynch / Untitled c.1977 / Felt-tip marker on paper / 7.6 x 12.7cm (sheet) / Collection: Fondation Cartier pour l’art contemporain, Paris / © David Lynch Estate / View full image

Construction of David Lynch's drawing Untitled c.1977 for the exhibition 'David Lynch: Between Two Worlds' / View full image
Watch | Xiu Xiu plays the music of Twin Peaks
Led by Jamie Stewart, Angela Seo and Shayna Dunkelman, the music of Xiu Xiu defies simple description. It's a mix of post punk and synth pop, classical and experimental styles, full of brutality and emotional depth. Xiu Xiu's performance isn't simply a recreation of the Twin Peaks soundtrack, but provides an entirely new interpretation that emphasises its chaos, drama, fear, noise and sidelong leering glances.
Watch | Go behind-the-scenes as Xiu Xiu plays the music of Twin Peaks
The Australian Cinémathèque at the Gallery of Modern Art commissioned Xiu Xiu to reinterpret the music of TV series Twin Peaks. Compositions and songs by composer Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch were given a startling makeover. Jamie Stewart, Angela Seo and Shayna Dunkelman talk us through the project.
Watch | Chrysta Bell performs 'Sycamore Trees' from Twin Peaks
Recorded at the Gallery of Modern Art during the opening of ‘Between Two Worlds’, Chrysta Bell concluded her set with a cover of ‘Sycamore Trees’, written by Angelo Badalamenti and David Lynch, originally performed by Jimmy Scott for the final episode of Twin Peaks 1990–91.
Watch | HEXA Factory Photographs performance
HEXA, a collaborative project by Brisbane-based sound engineer, curator and composer Lawrence English and Xiu Xiu’s Jamie Stewart explored the physicality of sound and its abilities to infiltrate and occupy the body. HEXA presented a new composition responding to David Lynch’s photographs of disused factories (illustrated). Using the factory photographs as a source, their performance draws root from the texture of Lynch’s images, the imagined and actual spaces, and the spectral histories contained within them.

David Lynch / Untitled (Łodź) 2000 / Archival gelatin silver print / 27.9 x 35.5cm (sheet) / © David Lynch / View full image