G.E. Mullan
The unique painting style of G. E. Mullan is noted for its lyrical line set against an ordered and complex geometry of interdependent shapes. His technique of precise color overlaid on fluid washes and splatters of color creates a visual excitement that involves the viewer and invites close study of the technical excellence of the work. In other media, such as Prismacolor, lithography, and collage, the artist employs a variety of techniques suitable to each distinct medium to achieve the same texture and visual activity.
Mullan gained wide recognition for his portrayals of native peoples. His work was featured in many galleries and one-man shows across the United States. Much of his work was noted for its use of the myths, symbols, and cultural artifacts of diverse cultures. Yet the recurring archetypal themes of such figures as the Earth Mother, Sky Father, and the Hero transcended cultural boundaries to give the work a universal appeal.
In almost every show Mullan exhibited at least one or two paintings which were obviously Christian in subject matter. In 1987, Mullan was privileged to create a work entitled San Antonio de Yanaguana presented to Pope John Paul II as an official gift of the bishops of Texas on the occasion of the Papal Visit to San Antonio in September of that year. That work was soon followed by commissioned works for churches, religious orders, and other organizations, as well as for individual patrons. Mullan’s work is now almost solely devoted to commissioned paintings featuring religious subjects. In addition, he has designed liturgical furnishings, such as altars, ambos, and processional crosses. In February 2000, he was invited to participate in the Jubilee for Artists at the Vatican.
Mullan lives with his wife, Celina, in San Antonio, Texas, where he maintains his studio.