The Mummy of Frogtosis, II (Frog Mummy), David James Gilhooly

Archive Label 2003 (version 1): Gilhooly’s interest in frog mythology is evident in his series of clay sculptures done between 1969 and 1982. In the frog culture he created, frogs evolved in place of humans. The Mummy of Frogtosis II is ancient Egyptian in style with scenes of Egyptian frog gods decorating a frog sarcophagus. A California native, Gilhooly studied with and assisted Robert Arneson, a major ceramic artist who came to attention with the 1960s California Funk movement. The movement is known for its humorous and sometimes irreverent subjects, bright colors, and expressive use of the medium, which is often clay. Gilhooly’s own work exemplifies this tradition. Archive Label 2003 (version 2): David Gilhooly uses the frog in his ceramic works, often in humorous and entertaining ways. The Mummy of Frogtosis II is typical of his frog series of clay sculptures made between 1969 and 1982. Gilhooly created an entire frog mythology where frogs evolved instead of humans. The Mummy of Frogtosis is in an ancient Egyptian style with scenes of Egyptian frog gods decorating a frog sarcophagus in hieroglyphic manner.