Paintings at Lyman Allyn Chronicle Artistic Transformation of David J. Marchi

NEW LONDON—The Lyman Allyn Art Museum is currently featuring an exhibition titled, David J. Marchi: Break on Through, a series of abstract paintings documenting the artist’s unexpected transformation. The show runs through Oct. 19.

The museum in a press release said Marchi had never painted before a life-altering boating accident in 2015. Suddenly compelled to paint, he left his previous profession to embrace the world of art.

He was subsequently diagnosed with acquired savant syndrome, according to the release. Marchi is one of only about 50 documented cases of this syndrome worldwide.

Layering colors, patterns, and methods of paint application, the museum said Marchi utilizes gesture, physicality, and unusual materials and methods to produce vibrant, large-scale canvases. He often works from vivid dreams that lay out colors and structures for him to follow.

Marchi has studied with artists Ronnie Landfield, Larry Poons, Pat Lipski and Peter Bonner at the Art Students League of New York.

Marchi also draws on his experiences to help instruct students with disabilities. His story shows creativity lives within everyone, regardless of experience or background, serving as a reminder that art can be a profound tool for recovery, connection, and transformation.

Lyman Allyn Art Museum Director Sam Quigley said working with Marchi to produce the exhibition was rewarding for everyone involved.

“His artistic brilliance, passion for life, and generosity of spirit is deeply appreciated,” Quigley said. “We are delighted to feature his work in our Near::New series of contemporary exhibitions, a series that celebrates the artists among us.”

This exhibition was made possible with support from an anonymous foundation, and from the state Department of Economic and Community Development’s Office of the Arts.