AWARD AT NORTHWEST
COLLAGE SOCIETY
FALL EXHIBITION

Three GJ Gillespie art works now showing 

NWCS Members Juried Fall Exhibit 2024
Scroll-ology

Rosehill Community Center Art Gallery, Mukilteo, WA

August 1 - October 31, 2024

All collage work are presented on hanging scrolls for this exciting showcase of the format's potential.

Rhapsody in Blue by GJ Gillespie.
Collage on scroll. 23.5 x 12. 2024.

Helen of Troy by GJ Gillespie.
Collage on scroll. 24 x 11.5. 2024. 

Ozymandias #9 by GJ Gillespie.

Collage on scroll. 22.5 x 11. 2024.

GJ Gillespie: Art in Motion - A Scroll-ology Exhibition

I'm excited to share that three of my collage works are currently on display at the Northwest Collage Society (NWCS) Fall Exhibition, "Scroll-ology," at the Rosehill Community Center Art Gallery in Mukilteo, WA. The show runs from August 1 to October 31, 2024, and features all artworks presented on hanging scrolls, showcasing the format's unique potential.

During the reception on August 16 my piece "Helen of Troy" received a Merit Award. This is my 22nd art award. One of 9 awards given in this large show of about 120 pieces. 

As a collage artist based on Whidbey Island, I find inspiration in art history and cultural icons. My process involves using diverse materials like colored tissue, newspaper clippings, and even grocery ads to create new interpretations of universal imagery. This approach allows me to explore the intersection of existential meaning and cultural iconography in abstract ways.

The three pieces I have in the show are:

1. "Rhapsody in Blue" - A 23.5 x 12 inch collage inspired by ancient Greek Kouros statues. It depicts a standing figure in warm, earthy tones against a predominantly blue background. The piece features a radiant effect created by a dotted pattern surrounding the figure's head, emphasizing the contemplative nature of the work. Layered tissue paper and various textures create an abstract landscape, inviting viewers to ponder the universe alongside the figure.

2. "Helen of Troy" - A 24 x 11.5 inch portrait inspired by ancient Greek busts. This striking piece features a close-up of a face with expressive eyes, rendered in a mix of warm reds and cool greens. The layered textures, especially evident in the hair and dotted background, create depth and visual interest. While evoking classical imagery, the portrait has a modern, abstract twist that symbolizes strength and confidence amidst environmental decay. NEW: Helen of Troy received a Merit Award at the 2024  Northwest Collage Society Fall Exhibition. 

3. "Ozymandias #9" - A 22.5 x 11 inch piece inspired by Roman athlete statues. It presents a classical-style bust, appearing as if made of stone or marble, set against a vibrant, abstract background of blues, pinks, and yellows. The juxtaposition of the ancient-looking figure with modern elements is striking. At the base, a grid of numbers hints at the digital nature of our universe and AI's growing influence, creating a fascinating dialogue between past and future.  Moreover, this piece was accepted as cover art for a prestigious journal: Meat for Tea Literary Journal, Ozymandias #9 cover art for the "Looseleaf" issue, September 2024.

Each piece is created using a mix of found papers, tissue, paint, and other materials, bringing together elements of history and contemporary life. The collage technique allows for rich textures and unexpected combinations, inviting viewers to discover new details with each viewing.

The NWCS, founded in 1984, aims to foster appreciation for collage as an art form. It provides a platform for artists to share ideas, showcase work, and engage with the community through exhibitions like this one.

I'm honored to be part of this show and to share my work in this unique scroll format. These pieces represent my ongoing exploration of historical themes through a contemporary lens, using the versatile medium of collage to create layered, thought-provoking artworks. If you're in the Mukilteo area for a ferry ride to Whidbey Island, I hope you'll stop by to see these pieces and the other amazing collages on display!