 "Photo: John Malloy")
It’s Saturday night. Outside, shops and restaurants at the National Harbor are sprinkled with couples and a few groups of friends. Inside of Art Whino, a bright inviting gallery, there is a buzzing pack of art enthusiasts.
Standing clear of the crowd, John Malloy allows onlookers to freely take in his most recent exhibit. He doesn’t interject, but afterwards energetically answers questions about his work, providing details about himself and his beginnings. Malloy is a painter, graphic designer and illustrator. He has done work for magazines, CDs, advertisements and more. Now he is gaining national attention.
Growing up in Hanover Township, Pa., he never really got to embark on the rough adventures that young boys do.
“When I was a child my parents were overprotective, so I spent a lot of time indoors drawing. My parents were supportive, though they, being blue collar, didn't really connect with what I eventually wanted to do,” he added. “There was nothing there for me both on an inspirational or motivational level.”
In high school, Malloy spent his time perfecting his craft.
“I started drawing copies of cartoon characters as a kid. In high school, I did more realistic renderings of musicians I liked. Over time, painting, film, comics and post-modern art slowly became more inspirational to me.”
Inspired by Music
Above all inspirations, his initial ideas evolved from music. His younger sister, Margaret, witnessed his seriousness and change in character as a teenager.
“His horizons began to broaden, and he started to think rather explosively. He was always painting or at his drafting table inking and coming up with lots of ideas,” she said. “He did become a bit darker and much more thoughtful.”
She remembers watching him sketch out countless ideas while he listened to Pearl Jam and Nine Inch Nails pump out his speakers.
As the youngest of four boys, Malloy was the designated role model for his sister, who is six years younger. Instead of always showing her the way, he was more of an artistic influence who showed her how to live and think.
“When I was young, I always really looked up to him,” Margaret said. “I remember when I was in seventh grade he took me on an eight-hour bike ride up Plymouth Mountain. That will always stick in my memory.”
Trial and Error
While attending Luzern Community College in Nanticoke, Pa., Malloy participated in the commercial art program studying painting under Michael Molnar. Molnar is one of the world’s most recognized trompe l’oeil (illusionary) artists. Malloy was inspired by Molnar but went on to teach himself comics, fine arts and illustration.
“I spent some time later on as a graphic designer for ad agencies, which helped me grow as a designer,” Malloy said. “I learned through trial and error and making constant mistakes. I also gained a lot from visiting museums, particularly the Whitney in New York, and studying art in books, magazines and online.”
Dave McKean, a comic and illustration artists recognized for his contribution to several comic books was a common influence to José Villarrubia, Malloy’s long-time friend and colleague, who with Malloy teaches art at Maryland Institute College of Art.
“John is a very talented artist whose work is constantly growing and developing,” Villarrubia explains. “He is very aware of current trends in comics, illustration and art, which informs his work and keeps it fresh.”
A Terrifying First Show
In 1995, when he was 20, Malloy did his first art show at a coffee shop/skater hangout in Wilkes-Barre, not far from his hometown. The atmosphere he describes was great for his ego, but terrifying because it was his first showing in front of a large audience.
“I felt elated to have my work on display, even though it was slightly disjointed in media and techniques,” Malloy said. “People were really encouraging to pursue my work.”
One show in particular sticks out for his wife, Amy, who describes him as a hard-working perfectionist.
“My favorite was a show he did in the small town where my parents live in Western New York,” she said. “The show was at the library and it was a hit! People came out and praised his work and wanted to take pieces home because something about the work really resonated with them.”
That show was different, because Malloy painted scenes of the small town on Victrola records, bringing to life visions of the past.
“They had this 50s nostalgic shade about them, and they were so beautiful. Unfortunately, he never painted on another record,” Amy said. “He wasn’t as proud of that work, despite all of the acclaim. I think there is a part of John that doesn’t want to create anything that is too palatable for the general masses. That would be too easy.”
Amy’s mother, Ann Gembala, also attended the library art show and was blown away. “My favorite painting was an oil that he did of a street scene in Rochester when he and Amy were living there,” she explained. “I happened to watch it develop and saw how very dedicated he is to a project.”
Margaret knew her brother had made it as an artist when she visited his one-room circular apartment in Baltimore and was astonished by the artistic evidence of paint, paper and a fluorescent Mac computer.
Low Key, but Thorough
It was his attitude and demeanor that allowed others to notice him as more than a small town painter with exquisite skill. Steph Devino, one of Malloy’s students at MICA, appreciates him for being an artist who is low key, but thorough.
“A lot of professors in the illustration department tend to have large egos. Some bore you with what famous artists they've worked with and what grand conventions they've been invited to but not John,” explains Devino. “When he showed us his work, it was always simply to expose us to what opportunities were out there and not to show off how amazing he was.”
Malloy’s latest work is a Roald Dahl-inspired book of black and white illustrations for the band Travis. He has also been working on a graphic novel, titled “Channel One.”
His exhibit “One Out of a Hundred” compares side effects of medication to the public’s obsession with the media. Both can damage the human spirit, Malloy said.
Shane Pomajambo, owner of Art Whino, said, “His illustrations are very unique, and his subject matter is fresh.”
Pomajambo said Malloy’s work gives viewers “a little insight on their own personal life.” He hopes that many will become fans or collectors.
The message Malloy is trying to send with his art is a simple one, Pomajambo said. “Wake up from routine.”
Be the first to comment on this article! Log in to Comment
You must be logged in to comment on an article. Not already a member? Register now