Morgan Sims’ Dripping Dolly

Morgan Sims’ painting Dolly exemplifies his signature blend of abstraction and portraiture, using bold color and fluid distortion techniques. This acrylic-on-canvas work reflects Sims' fascination with celebrity imagery, particularly musicians. Here, he reimagines Dolly Parton through his distinctive drip-style painting approach.

Sims' work is characterized by vibrant pigments and fluid pixel drips that dissolve recognizable figures into layered hues. Rooted in his background as a printmaker, his process-oriented approach balances control and spontaneity. By working from the bottom up, he manipulates gravity and paint flow, using tape and layering to guide the drips. The result is a structured yet organic effect that fragments and reinterprets the subject, evoking movement, emotion, and reinvention.

Part of a series featuring musicians and cultural icons, Dolly joins Sims’ renditions of MF Doom, Prince, and Willie Nelson. As a musician himself, Sims brings a deep connection to his subjects, turning his paintings into visual tributes that capture their energy and spirit.

Dolly Parton’s recent collaboration with pop star Sabrina Carpenter on a remix of Please Please Please has reignited public interest in her legacy. Sims’ Dolly reflects this ongoing cultural relevance, exploring how icons evolve while remaining legendary. His ability to deconstruct and reconstruct these figures places his work at the intersection of pop culture and fine art, making Dolly a striking addition to his growing body of work.