Description

David Gilhooly’s The Stations of the Cross (2003) is a darkly satirical and visually arresting reinterpretation of Christian iconography through the lens of food. Organized in a grid of twelve postage stamps of haloed figures. Each image replaces the saints head with fruits and vegetables—cauliflower, lettuce, cabbage, grapefruit, grapes, squash and a wheel of cheese—creating grotesque yet humorous portraits that evoke both Renaissance devotional paintings and contemporary pop surrealism.

At the top of the composition, a poetic text references crucifixes, thorns, sweat, and constriction.  Gilhooly juxtaposes sacred imagery with organic matter. The repeated sacred-heart motif on each figure’s chest reinforces connections to Catholic devotional art, while the absurd vegetable-headed saints undermine solemnity with wit and irony with names like “Cheesis Christ” and “Lettuce Pray”.

Known for blending humor with social commentary, Gilhooly transforms the traditional “Stations of the Cross” into a meditation on consumption and religion.

Signed and dated in pencil and marked 15/20 in the series.

Size of the stamp page: 19″ high x 13″ wide