Leonard
Roy Frank, author of many books, (among them the Quotationary Dictionary, published
by Random House), and human rights activist, discovered G. Mark Mulleian in
1969 and introduced the artist's work to the public consciousness by arranging
Mulleian's first feature exhibit in San Francisco with Benny
Bufano
at the Continental Gallery, and later in 1970, at the Frank Gallery, also in
San Francisco, thus launching Mulleian's career on a national and international
scale. Among many notable admirers to the gallery were Elton John,
Janice
Joplin, Vincent Price, Robert Shields, Shirley Temple Black, Leotine Price,
Herb Cean, Eric Hoffer, William Kunsler, (attorney of the Chicago Seven trial),
the Three Christy Minstrels, (a popular singing group of the 1960's), and many
more throughout the 1970s. In 2006 Mulleian and Frank came together once again
in a biographical
documentary
for national broadcast television, were Leonard Frank presents an insightful
profile of the artist and his work in an interview in which he talks about Mulleian
and public reaction to the artist and his work.
From
time to time an artist appears who so combines imagination and skill that the
world of art cannot long deny him his due without diminishing itself. G. Mark
Mulleian is such an artist. Born in San Francisco in 1947, Mulleian since the
age of thirteen has dedicated himself to one purpose, the greatest possible
development of his natural artistic talents. Though his gifts are considerable,
he knows that nothing short of supreme effort will enable him to realize his
goal. A sixteen hour workday is not unusual for him. And if towards the end
of such a day, his energy wanes, he refortifies himself by recalling something
Michelangelo once said, "If people knew how hard I have had to work to gain
my mastery, it wouldn't seem so wonderful." That so young a man has attained
so great a proficiency in his chosen field is rare enough: what is truly extraordinary
is that Mulleian has done it without any formal art training. He has studied
and practiced his craft alone. A few art books, periodic visits to local museums,
constant attention to the visual aspects of all forms of life and matter, and
an informing imagination have more than supplied the want of teachers. Mulleian's
personal experience has given him a vivid sense of the now. Vietnam; the Tet
offensive; his artillery position under bombardment; huddled in silence and
fear with twelve buddies in an old dilapidated bunker; he stands up and utters
a prayer to his God, and moments later a 75 millimeter mortar round explodes
through the bunker roof, an inch and a half thick dry rot peace of wood; Amazingly
no one is killed, or even injured. That kind of immediate experience often makes
a believer out of a non-believer. Imagine the effect it might have on one who
is already a believer, and you will have come a long way to understanding the
heart and mind of this man whose original works are on exhibit, as long as he
wants them to be. Mulleian is one of the great, contemporary American artists.
His art will be treasured for generations to come.
Written
by Author, Leonard Roy Frank, 1970
Photo
by Rogny Rodriguez
