Of Myth and Mortals: The Erotic Sculpture of Philip Hitchcock
Featured in the Guest Artist Gallery
Of Chicago’s Leather Archives & Museum
On view January 27, – June 9, 2012
Opening Reception Friday, January 27, 7:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Challenging. Alluring. Rock Hard. The life-size male erotic figures of Philip Hitchcock merge fantasy and reality to create powerful sculptural forms, evoking themes of heroism and human frailty. Focusing on ancient mythology from different cultures, Hitchcock creates contemporary representations of iconic deities whose grandeur is humanized by their corporeal sensuality. The hyper-realistic forms, which are created from multiple castings of live models, are layered and embellished with accoutrements. The work is a metaphor for the human condition one decade into the 21st century: It presents a core of realism surrounded by the more unnerving images we wish the world to notice and judge. Of this body of work Dr. William Whittington, Assistant Chair of Critical Studies at University of Southern California writes: “(Hitchcock’s) aesthetic presents idealized castings of the human figure, which are powerful enough alone, yet he retrofits these bodies, infusing them with technology, eroticism, and discourses on pain and pleasure. At the site of this fusion, the heroic figure transforms, activating new interpretations.”
Nine of Hitchcock sculptures are on view at Chicago’s Leather Archives and Museum (LA&M) from January 27, through June 30, 2012. Also on view are nine limited edition photographs of select works by Hitchcock, plates taken from his book, Dark Impressions, The Art of Philip Hitchcock. The artist is on hand to sign copies of his book at a free public reception at The LA &M on Friday, January 27, from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The Leather Archives & Museum is located at 6418 North Greenview Ave. in Chicago, Illinois. For additional information call 773-761-9200.
Of Myth and Mortal focuses on legendary myths borrowed from Greek, Celtic, Egyptian and Christian mythologies. Among the statues on view are Cernunnos, the horned Celtic god of fertility, Anubis, the Egyptian god of the dead, Prometheus, the Greek god of fire, Thor the Norse god of thunder, The Black Knight from medieval lore, and Jesus, central figure of Christianity. A selection of torsos, reminiscent of classical ruins, are also on view. The pieces created with concrete, steel, and fiberglass, start with multiple cast impressions from live models.
Of Myth and Mortal also showcases limited edition prints, signed by the artist, many of which are featured in his book Dark Impressions, The Art of Philip Hitchcock. The images are signed and numbered archival digital prints at 16 x 20” which are framed to 22 x 28.”
The exhibition remains on view through June 9, 2012. Here is a preview of the exhibition:
The exhibit features Nine lifesize sculptures and nine 22 x 28″ photographs, blow ups of plates from “Dark Impressions, The Art of Philip Hitchcock.
Sculptures and photographs line the passageway the circumscribes the main gallery. The areas are separated by a glass wall.
Prometheus- For bringing fire to mankind, Zeus chained Prometheus to a cliff wall, to be tormented each day by an Eagle.
Moving down the hallway…
Anubis, Egyptian God of the Dead.
Cernunnos, Celtic God of Fertility.
Around the corner are two more images from “Dark Impressions, the Art of Philip Hitchcock.”
Entering the main gallery…
Statues and prints are on view. Shown here are Male torso, Kouros 2012, and Seated Male.
Hallway view as seen from the main gallery.
View of hallway from main gallery.
Seated Male, a statue which is actually a composite of three different models.
Detail- Seated Male.
On the opposite wall are two more statues.
Jesus and Thor are featured.
Close up- Jesus, from Christian lore.
Close up- Thor, Nordic god of Thunder
Close up-Male Torso. Of MYTH and MORTALS remains on view through June 9, 2012.
It was an honor to have in attendance, the man himself, Mr. Chuck Renslow. (I think he’s a fan of the work!)
