Pursuing Perfection with Painter Tallulah Dirnfeld

Tallulah Dirnfeld believes perfection is possible, and her mere existence may prove her point. Whether it’s her paintings that uniquely and thoroughly capture the experience of modern femininity or her literal being, her uniform of dark neutrals in girly cuts, or her signature red hair that is never out of place, Tallulah proves that one can achieve perfection, even if they themselves don’t identify as a perfectionist.

The artist has made quite a name for herself in the four years since she decided to leave the film industry and pursue painting full-time. Repped by Abigail Ogilvy Gallery in Los Angeles, Tallulah held her solo show this past September. After a 12-year stint cosplaying as an Angelino, Tallulah now resides in her hometown, the Upper East Side of Manhattan. She spends her days walking through Central Park, sitting at Via Quadronno, and preparing for her next solo show, which will be at Rome’s t293 gallery this November. For those who want to see her work now, she has two pieces on view at Pietro Alexander Gallery.

What’s the worst thing about being a painter?

Everything I own is covered in paint. People ask me if it’s toxic, and, honestly, I’m too afraid to look it up and find out. I’m not only inhaling it all day, but it gets in my food, and I don’t bother wiping it off. I just eat it. I think it’s fine. I feel fine.

What’s your studio set up? Do you paint in silence or do you like background noise?

My setup is fairly basic. I have a couple of easels, a desk, good lighting, and my toy collection. No, I don’t paint in silence. 60% of the time, I listen to audiobooks. 20% of the time, I talk to my mom or her friends on the phone. The remaining 20% I rewatch TV shows about teenagers.

Would you let your future hypothetical child enter a creative field, or would you make them get a “real” job?

Ideally, my children will pursue stable, respectable careers and not have the emotional need to express themselves publicly.

You studied film at USC and worked in TV and film development for years before committing to painting full-time. Is there anything you miss about working in the entertainment industry?

I miss the drama of my boss being like, “I need a helicopter to pick me up in the backyard of my house in a town you’ve never heard of in rural Connecticut, where helicopters are illegal, and take me to Philadelphia to visit set for two hours, then drop me back off. And I need the helicopter to be silent because the neighbors will report me. And I need you to organize this within the next hour or you’re fired.” I miss getting yelled at by an attractive 52-year-old wearing only boxer briefs.

So much of your work is clearly influenced by femininity and girlhood—what’s your favorite thing about being a girl?

I get away with saying insane things. I get a pass for being bad at things like driving, directions, and turning on the TV, to name a few. I like asking men to do things for me, even though I could probably do them myself. I also like that I don’t have to touch door handles because I’m scared of germs. I like that I get to dress like a doll, and I like my red hair with bangs.

You’ve said in the past that you’re inspired by the idea of perfection and control. Do you identify as a perfectionist?

I don’t necessarily identify with the P word, but I recently saw a truck that said, “Perfection is Possible,” and I was like, yeah, why not?

Where is the weirdest place you’ve ever drawn inspiration from?

The Met.

I know you can’t go a day without a walk through Central Park. What’s your favorite part of the park?

It’s impossible to choose one part. I love the Bow Bridge. I love the Reservoir. It reminds me of the Tuesday 7 AM track practices I had there for years growing up. I love the Ramble. I feel like a rogue explorer, forging my path through the brush. And my parents constantly send me articles about stabbings in the Ramble, which adds another layer of adventure.

You’ve (in our circle, famously so) been sober since birth. If you were to ever try your first alcoholic beverage, what do you think you would order?

In this scenario, I’d for sure try an alcoholic milkshake. I’d get drunk and spend the entire time feeling the weight of my identity collapsing. That being said, I will be sober for the rest of my life because I proudly (and famously) will not try anything once.

You’re allergic to the sun. No question, just want people to know you’re a lowkey vampire.

Hi, my name is Tallulah, and I have a rare genetic metabolic disorder characterized by severe, agonizing photosensitivity. And I’m addicted to Twilight.

What's a non-negotiable in your life? Something you can’t go a day without?

Clear eyes and a full heart

What has been the most fulfilling or surreal moment in your art career thus far?

It’s always surreal that anyone other than me would like anything about me.