David Gilhooly

de Baker, Kenneth, Tony Williams, Kenneth Baker, John Natsoulas

For more than three decades, David Gilhooly has worked from a handful of humorous themes in pressing together a vision of the universe unrivaled in its insight and creativity. Scores of images and color plates help document Gilhooly's unique perspective. Gilhooly's distinctive frogworld successfully bridges his passions for history, the physical sciences and art. From the early days of his career, Gilhooly has examined the world - past and present - through his frog-tinted glasses. His pointed examination of social and political realities has resulted in characters such as Frog Queen Victoria, Frog Osiris, and Boris Frogloff, all depicted in stately busts. Soon after the busts came Gilhooly's celebrated arks; strong vessels made with real nails that transported Gilhooly's characters and themes throughout his work. This comprehensive account of Gilhooly's vision also examines the artist's self-celebrated obsession with food. Although apparently gluttonous, his indulgence into clay food is explored as part of the artist's poetic vision. More than a creative binge, Gilhooly welcomes us to dine on his fare. A thoughtful and funky artist, Gilhooly invites us on a visual narration of a mystical world. His perception is at times well received and at times whimsical, confusing. But despite the complexity of his enigmatic vision, Gilhooly's forms retain an articulate and tangible translation of our world. His translation is equally haunting and aesthetic.