Recommended by Mars Salazar and the Austin American Statesman! Lydia Presents “Fly High, Fly Eye”Saturday, January 31, 2026 - Sunday, March 22, 2026Opening Reception: Saturday, January 31st, 6-9 pmClosing Reception: Sunday, March 15th, 2 pm with Musical Guests : Speeding Motorcycle & Special Guests lydia presents the late Daniel Johnston’s “Fly High, Fly Eye”, January 31-March 22nd. Originally scheduled to take place closer to what would have been his 65th birthday, this exhibition is a belated gift for Austin’s treasure. This exhibit includes all things eyeball in the pantheon of the Daniel Johnston universe- Fly Eye, Eye Walker, God Eye, Dead Dog’s Eyeball, Fish Eye, SpEYEder, & Double Fish Eye. Johnston’s characters have unique ways of interacting in his universe - social commentators, messengers, by-standers, judges, spies or side-kicks. The character, “Fly Eye”, represented death for Daniel. According to his sister, while Johnston frequently referenced death or suicide in his work, he was not suicidal. He was always full of hope. Phrases might seem to have one meaning, but instead frequently meant the opposite. For instance, the meaning of the phrase “Who Cares?,” which may seem like a cynical rhetorical question, became apparent to Marjory when researching for a book she is writing about Daniel’s art. She discovered a reference that he intended the question to be answered - God cares. It may seem a contradiction that a man who suffered so greatly with mental illness, loss and tragedy might remain hopeful. Clearly, he still has much to teach us. In therapy, sometimes my clients may suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts. It can be very disconcerting to people to consider death as an outlet. Often, I point out that there is an important reason they may be having thoughts about death. Symbolically, something may need to die, just not literally. Something needs to change. For Daniel, a symbol of death, such as Fly Eye can be seen as hope- hope that people who have been sleeping may awaken and begin to understand. As so many are suffering now in a climate of fear and injustice throughout the world and here in our own backyard, it seems we are in need of Fly Eye’s warnings. Warnings of doom may awaken us and hopefully prevent further tragedy. We need all the light and hope we can muster to find the motivation and energy to keep up the fight. Fly high, Fly Eye. - Deanna Miesch Daniel sometimes used the name “winged eyeball” for his eyeball with bat wings creature, but it is widely celebrated as “Fly Eye.” In his art, Johnston specified that “Fly Eye” is a symbol for death, that that doesn’t mean it is evil or mean. It seems to care about the living and tries to bring warning of danger and to alert those who are headed for doom. Six other members of Johnston’s eyeball pantheon will also be featured in this exhibit. 1)”Eye Walker” consists of an eyeball with arms and legs. It is usually in a side-kick or assistant role. It can also be on the watch for trouble and gives a warning to those in danger. 2) “God Eye” appears in many drawings as an all-seeing, all-knowing entity that insures that justice will be administered & evil-doers will be punished. Love always defeats hate. Greed is conquered with a spirit of generosity. “God Eye” is the overseer or judge. 3) “Dead Dog’s Eyeball” was undoubtedly inspired by the lyrics of the Beatles song, “I am the Walrus.” Johnston was a HUGE Beatles fan. In Johnston’s art, it appears lying near the action or sometimes being served on a platter to be eaten. It can still see & feel emotion in the form of tears. 4) The “Fish Eye” is so called because it resembles the early symbol for Christianity. It is found as a graphic symbol on characters and objects in many of Johnston’s drawings. It can emit or send out some type of rays or charge. What type of power the rays have is uncertain. 5) The “Spider” or “Speyeder” is depicted in many scenes and situations as a bystander. Sometimes it even hangs out with Satan. It can take movies with its eye, so perhaps it is a sort of spy or tattletale. 6) The “Double Fish Eye” or “Crossed Fish Eye” is also a common symbol in Johnston’s drawings. It appears on objects and uniforms and even as a tattoo or military emblem. Sometimes areas of the symbol are shaded in with primary colors. It is frequently depicted on armbands and blocks that represent childhood. Sometimes there are three or four “Fish Eyes” sharing one pupil in a round design which may indicate balance. A new Daniel Johnston T-shirt has been printed in honor of the “Fly High, Fly Eye” exhibit. It comes in blue as well as black, with white printing on the front & back. It can be purchased at Lydia Street Gallery throughout the run of the exhibit for $80. - Marjory Johnston BIO Daniel Johnston (1961-2019) was an artist & musician who lived in Austin during a formative period of his life. He was highly influential on numerous artists & musicians then & now. His art was included in the Whitney Biennale in 2006 & a retrospective at the Contemporary in Austin in 2022-3. This is the second exhibition of his work at LYDIA (Lydia Street Gallery). His birthday, January 22nd is “Hi, How are you? Day,” recognized here in Austin & in the State of Texas, celebrating Daniel’s legacy in arts, music & mental wellness.