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Upon first viewing Peter Gelker’s
Whirligigs
, it becomes apparent that the pieces
constitute a departure from the traditional. Although delightfully colorful, Gelker’s
Whirligigs
do not embody the subject matter of the folk tradition. With more than
forty years of experience in human psychology, Gelker favors, in his own words,
the “darker, deeper, less-flattering side of human nature.” The themes explored
in Gelker’s
Whirligigs
include topics such as political structures, religious beliefs,
mental illness, phobias, social relations, and mythology. Yet, Gelker’s final products
do not present a completely bleak view of humanity:
Whirligigs: The Art of Peter
Gelker
simply offers its viewers a peak into the complexity of the human condition.
A few selected pieces from
Whirligigs: The Art of Peter Gelker
serve as a great
introduction to the many themes explored in the exhibition. In
Angel and Devil
,
the Biblical battle over the soul is given a tangible illustration. When put into
motion, a devil thrusts his pitchfork at an angel who, like the Archangel Michael,
counters with a sword.
Psychiatrist/Patient/Monster
reflects on the dynamics of
a therapy session: a lounging patient pulls a cord which releases a man-eating
monster onto his psychiatrist. Moreover, in
Worker and Capitalist
, a well-dressed
businessman and a humble worker participate in a never-ending tug-of-war over
a tearing dollar bill.
The exhibition
Whirligigs: The Art of Peter Gelker
is an animated reminder of the
many ways art can illuminate the spirit. Gelker presents common thoughts and
fears in a playful manner. The repetition of movement calms our anxieties and
amuses the viewer in a way that does not ignore serious issues. Visitors of Gelker’s
Whirligigs
are invited to spiritedly explore the polarization and inner-workings
of our minds and societies.
Images left to right:
Angel and Devil,
2000, Peter Gelker, wood, metal, paint, mixed media, collection of the artist;
Psychiatrist/Patient/Monster,
2004, Peter Gelker, wood, metal, paint, mixed media, collection of the artist.