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I have seen enough history to fill an encyclopedia. The catalyst that brought me into being an artist was my
unabated anger over the Vietnam War and the social revolution of the late 1960’s and early 70’s.
At 20, I found myself looking for an identity – I tried Marxist-Leninism, weird therapy, and extremism in New Left
politics. Nothing stuck except in 1970 when I saw for the first time works by Picasso on his 90th birthday in a
"Newsweek" Magazine. Later that year while in New York City I visited the Museum of Modern Art – there I saw
“Guernica” by Picasso – the massive mural painting about the Spanish Civil War. I also saw the works of the
“New York School” of abstract expressionist painters from Jackson Pollock to Willem de Kooning. Their works
instilled in me that deep spiritual need I was seeking. I saw their works as Numinous – Spiritual Fire – an
immediate calling to a talent I had not dreamed of. I was drowning my passions in alcohol and I was a true loner
always on the outside looking in. Painting changed that!!
Painting to me is a journey of spiritual truth. As Picasso said, “Art is the lie that tells the truth.” I’m now entering
36 years of art-making and these paintings in this exhibit are mostly of the last 6 months – totally painting
abstractions that celebrate life as much as I can. They speak for themselves. God as I understand him gave
me my talent, it cleanses the soul of “demons” and renews our faith that we are children of the Creator. As St.
Mathew said, “Truth, as in very Truth, I’m the Door.” Enjoy this exhibit and may it inspire you as art can –
through total love.
Ulick Mahoney
The Howland Gallery of Modern Art
Pawtucket Congregational Church
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
January 2007