Words and Pictures as art exhibit "Bookwork" draws Crowd

The worlds of sculpture and the written word collided in an art showing at Holyoke’s small, independent book store “The White Rose” on 284 High Street on Saturday, March 1^st, from 5 to 7 P.M. The works on display are from Adam John Mulcahy, antiques salesman and graphic design student at Holyoke Community College. The works, utilizing found objects and abandoned books, will be available for show until April 1^st.

One of Adam John Mulcahy's works. Source: Facebook

Pages are circled, crossed out, and rearranged alongside collages of pictures, from children to young couples to simple farmers. They culminate to depict ordinary people caught in the crossfires of war. The words take on a lyrical quality, almost Hemingway-esque, in their brevity.

“I read a lot of Hunter S. Thompson, John Steinbeck, Tim Dorsey, Charles Bukowski,” said the artist. “I also read a lot of books about organic farming and Buddhism. The Bookwork show was inspired by all of the books I have read and by my life experiences.”

He is less of a writer than an artist, according to him.

“I’ve done some writing every once in a while,” said Adam. “It’s more of a hobby.”

The showing was greeted by a packed room. There were free hors d’oeuvres, wine, and coffee for all.