New Works by Thomas Mullany: The Figure - Studies on Found Paper, Paintings, Sculpture

"Flemish School Flowers"

An exhibition of new works by Thomas Mullany opens on March 16 with an all-day open house in the r.h.ballard gallery, from 10am-6pm, at 307 Main Street in Washington, VA. The show runs through April 6. 

This exhibit is unique for Mullany in that it shows his use of a wide range of materials and methods and also his ability to spontaneously rendure the figure. Ultimately, for the viewer, this event is a surprising and in-depth look at the creative process. 

Mullany’s work spans decades, and throughout his career he has always created drawings on paper as precursors to larger murals and paintings but also as individual pieces of art. 

This exhibit consists of dozens of studies using found papers as backdrops which become part of the composition by integrating with the figure. His works using paper ephemera such as antique maps, packaging, vintage book and music pages are all utilized as part of each unique composition.  In addition, oil paintings will be displayed, with figures as subjects, as well as new figurative sculpture. 

Historically, from the beginnings of modern art, there has been a tradition in which the artist would appropriate found papers and objects and incorporate them into layered compositions.  Artists such Pablo Picasso, Georges Braque, Kurt Schwitters, and Robert Rauschenberg, among others, often created studies and works using this method.  Mullany often creates studies on found papers while working on larger murals and commissions. 

This particular piece "Geological Nude", was painted on a vintage U.S. Geological Survey map, detail below.

And this figurative sculpture below was carved from a single log.

Below is a painting entitled "Dunk the Girl", a favortie of mine which incorporates many figurative elements.

Mullany has exhibited over the years in Washington, DC, New York City and Washington, VA, mounting over 18 one-person exhibitions.  This is Mullany's eighth one-person exhibition r.h. ballard gallery has presented in Washington, VA.  He is included in over 21 corporate collections and has created numerous murals, sculpture and public art projects throughout the United States.