Guggi: “This is not a hotel.”

Reception for the artist: November 18, 5-8pm

November 10, 2016 - January 07, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yoshii Gallery is pleased to present “This is not a hotel.”, a solo exhibition of new works by Irish artist Guggi. This is his second solo show with the gallery. The fragile restraint of Guggi’s work creates a monumental stillness, one that has grown out of a tough and frenetic upbringing under a strict Plymouth Brethren father and kind-hearted nurturing mother. The common bowls and metal pitchers, symbols of his humble yet adverse childhood, are repeated throughout his works as Guggi breathes new life into them and shows the reverence he now has for them. By transforming these distinctive motifs of everyday objects from clean, neat lines to spontaneous freer outlines with visceral energy, Guggi transcends these haunted memories through his artistry. He often sets the outlines of these shapes against abstract or bare backgrounds, giving them a meditative quality through their deceptive simplicity. His recent works showcase a painter truly confident with his practice.

Guggi was born in Dublin in 1959 into a large family of 10 children. Primarily self-taught, Guggi has been drawing and painting since he was a child, his talent encouraged by his mother and friends. Guggi began his career as a musician as part of the cult band Virgin Prunes he started with Gavin Friday in 1976. They became notorious for their performative spectaculars in the European underground, before Guggi quit in 1984 to concentrate full time on painting. From the early tentative explorations in the mid 1980s, he has evolved into one of the most accomplished and recognized painters in Ireland. He has exhibited extensively in galleries and museums including Yoshii Gallery, New York (2010), Kerlin Gallery, Dublin (2009, 1993, 1990), National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin (2008), National Municipal Gallery, Iceland (1995). Guggi currently lives and works in Dublin with his wife, five sons, four dogs, and an array of unusual reptiles. The exhibit is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalog, featuring an essay by Director and friend, Jim Sheridan.

 

For further inquiries, please contact Yoshii Gallery at info@yoshiigallery.com or at 212-744-5550.