Uncle Skulky is overcome as he leers at an exquisite exhibiton of an old friend, from the series The Irreverences, Provocations, & Connivances of Uncle Skulky
Frank Boyden, Uncle Skulky is overcome as he leers at an exquisite exhibiton of an old friend, from the series The Irreverences, Provocations, & Connivances of Uncle Skulky, 2003, color drypoint and spitbite with graphite, colored pencil, and watercolor on paper, Gift of the Artist in honor of Jean Vollum, © 2003 Frank Boyden, 2004.3.12
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Uncle Skulky is overcome as he leers at an exquisite exhibiton of an old friend, from the series The Irreverences, Provocations, & Connivances of Uncle Skulky
- Related Titles
original language: Uncle Skulky is overcome as he leers at an exquisite exhibiton of an old friend
series (original language): The Irreverences, Provocations, & Connivances of Uncle Skulky
- Artist
- Date
2003
- Medium
color drypoint and spitbite with graphite, colored pencil, and watercolor on paper
- Edition
artist's proof; edition of 14
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
plate: 4 3/4 in x 6 7/8 in; sheet: 13 5/8 in x 11 1/8 in
- Inscriptions & Markings
signature/maker's mark: none
inscription: In graphite, below platemark, l.l., "A./P/"; below platemark, l.l., artist's chopmark of four irregular rings around three dots representing and impressed seashell (see drawing in doc file); along lower edge, center, "Uncle Skulky is overcome as he leers at an exquisite exhibition of an old friend."
signature/maker's mark: In graphite, below image, l., "F. Boyden 03."
- Collection Area
Graphic Arts; Northwest Art
- Category
Prints
- Object Type
intaglio print
- Culture
American
- Credit Line
Gift of the Artist in honor of Jean Vollum
- Accession Number
2004.3.12
- Copyright
© 2003 Frank Boyden
- Terms
As artist Frank Boyden's dark alter ego, Uncle Skulky haunts the edges of galleries, studios, and art exhibitions. Here he is overcome as he witnesses the exhibition of a colleague, Rick Bartow, who is suggested by the iconography. Boyden is a long-time friend of Bartow, but his use of the word "leer" suggests that perhaps Uncle Skulky’s gaze is tinged with competition or jealousy, as well as pride. As Boyden explains,
!T!Uncle Skulky allows me to explore things that are ephemeral !T!and sacred. He allows me to blaspheme others—to look into their !T!eyes and lives and work. He allows me to poke fun at those closest !T!to me and to raise up their accomplishments to satire or praise. He !T!allows me to puncture taboos and investigate love, lust, hatred, and !T!the insults of this wry world. He does not sanction or judge, but like !T!me is subject to all that I am judged by and subjected to.
- Exhibitions
2013 In the Studio: Reflections on Artistic Life Portland Art Museum
