Holly Gauthier's Online Portfolio

In 1989 Holly Gauthier exhibited her first one-artist show.  The series was based on the artist’s recent works of 1988 entitled: “Masks”.  The majority of her subjects resembled portraits of male figures screaming in the foreground of a chaotic landscape.  The work’s medium included oil paintings on canvas and charcoal drawings on paper.  In the years to follow Gauthier’s work expanded in form, directing the artist to a variety of mixed media including; wire sculpture, film making, print making, drawings in water-soluble crayon and acrylic painting. 

Though the processes have varied, much of the subject matter remains the same.  Although no context is presented to explain the 1990-1991 Screaming In Rhythm Series, it is evident that these figures are subject to unseen and potentially violent forces.  Like  Maxwell’s Window, the three screaming portrait heads appear to be simultaneously animated and vital or suffering symptoms of mental anguish.  Gauthier provokes the viewers desire to know or understand what is transpiring in these compelling pictures.  In 1996 the Circus, Circus Motel Series was described by one viewer as “a pack of demon dogs in hell”.  Gauthier states: “I’ve never been interested in creating something that would look nice in someone’s living room.  Life is messy... it’s crazy and quite often unpredictable-- I suppose one could say the same about my work.”  Having completed and exhibited eight series’ in ten years, Gauthier remains true to her convictions.  

With such influences as the works of Francis Bacon, Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning, Gauthier maintains focus on her strive for extension.  She states: ”I have always been particularly interested in the Abstract Expressionist movement of the 40’s and early 50’s. I hold with those who favor the concept that meaning can be conveyed through the physical primacy of the medium”.  

By the virtuous quiddity of paint combined with subjects juxtaposed in a composition of decisive incompleteness, Gauthier’s vivacity invigorates the viewer, provoking a gut reaction.  The artist explains: “Observers often recognize repeating subjects in my work; a dog, a staircase or an angel. When a series is viewed as a whole, it is often perceived as a narrative.  As I am painting a piece, the painting tells me a story... and for every painting there are as many stories as there are viewers.”  Gauthier confirms her painting to be a form of visual thinking but argues that actual visual language is primarily induced by the viewer.  Gauthier comments; It was best quoted by Rothko who said: “A painting lives by companionship, expanding and quickening in the eyes of the observer”. (Mark Rothko, 1947)

Gauthier has continued to explore issues of awareness & identity, freedom & escape, faith & death.  

It is likely that the pursuit of these topics will be evident in works to come.  When asked about future expectations, Gauthier replied: “Blazing a trail of innovation and experiment”. (Chronical, Vol. 1 - Published 2000)