The Linguist

Comment

Comment by Resident Curator on December 12, 2012 at 9:29am

Curator’s Comment:  

 

The Linguist is a droll surreal picture; the contorted monstrosity reminds me of the workings and mythical beings of Symbolist Odilon Redon.  The fantastical creature is actually somewhat pitiful- it envelops itself, and in no way presents a threat to outsiders.  The muted brown color scheme corresponds to the strangely softened, pliable form, by not demarking clear boundaries and edges.  The space is smoky and nondescript, but complex enough to include flecks of cool transformative hues. Anatomically I can’t make out exactly which “end” is receiving or retreating. Nonetheless the Linguist’s predicament is clear- apparently consuming its whole self as well as his words.  I’m attracted to the other composite creatures, but none feel quite as smoothly and conceptually integrated as this piece.  Loud mouthed D*** head for instance, is more brashly satirical and humorous, but the separate pieces offer more fine details, requiring the viewer to digest the discrete attributes before getting the joke.  I do like the misplaced mouth however, providing a clever counterbalance to the strength of his phallic head.  The red and green complementary hues also support the bluster of the belligerent but uniformly decorated speaker.

Comment by Raymond Gordon Potter on September 7, 2010 at 6:30am

I have day,s like this. When I feel I am walking around all day with my head stuck where the sun never shines. Very interesting. Ray.