November 1, 2002

1:18 AM

Donald Roller Wilson - explore the entertaining gallery of this artist called "...a Gothic storyteller with the phenomenal technique and precision of an old master." Some say he takes his silliness seriously. Meet his menagerie of lavishly costumed monkeys, dogs and cats. Collector and fan Robin Williams describes his art as "Hieronymus Bosch meets P.T Barnum, Faulkner meets Dr. Seuss, and Leakey meets Freud. " site requires flash. registration is optional.
posted by madamjujujive (7 comments total)

What fun! Thanks, m'am!
posted by MiguelCardoso at 1:38 AM on November 1, 2002

I remember the first show I saw of his in San Francisco. The viewers were silently signalling each other with expressions ranging from; "can you believe this?" to "this is incredible!" to "what the fuck?".

I was impressed by the eccentric monomaniacal goofiness, but there are nastier things at work here too.

Nice post, madamjuju!
posted by hama7 at 3:10 AM on November 1, 2002

Anyone ever see Laurie Hogan's stuff? Same Dutch Master style, but far more sinister subjects. Rabbits with fangs and stuff...
posted by sharksandwich at 8:04 AM on November 1, 2002

Miguel, thanks for posting the image! And hama7 - I will have to watch for a local showing - I bet it would be fun to observe the reaction.

sharksandwich, good tip on Laurie Hogin - she indeed does sound pretty interesting and she's a new find for me, so thanks! Salon had a recent article on her, and there's another recent article here.
posted by madamjujujive at 9:01 AM on November 1, 2002

The images are wonderful (so rich and detailed), but monkeys kinda freak me out.
posted by MsVader at 12:30 PM on November 1, 2002

Roller's great, JuJu. Thanks.
posted by Shane at 2:23 PM on November 1, 2002

i wonder why betty's bat mitzvah won't take - so worrisome! what beautiful imagery and colours and attention to detail. i'm even contemplating shelling out for a print... thanks for passing this along!
posted by henriettachicken at 2:42 PM on November 1, 2002