Work samples
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1"Entablatures of the Sun and Moon"The nine "Entablatures of the Sun" on the left are balanced with the nine "Entablatures of the Moon"on the right. The three neon "Stones of the Sun and Moon" are the core for bringing together these astrological male and female symbols. The "Entablatures" represent the third age of man known as "Bronze Age Beauty" in the Museum.
About Quentin
QUENTIN B. MOSELEY 5701 Pimlico Road Baltimore, Maryland 21209 410 868 8165
bakerartist.org/portfolios/quentinmoseley
Instagram: @themuseumofprehistory
Quentin Moseley is Faculty Emeritus at the Maryland Institute College of Art after retiring from MICA in 2020. He has been chair of the Printmaking Department,… more
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Cave Rave
“CAVE RAVE” is the central artifact of “The Caveman’s Dictionary”, only a small portion of a large body of work that the artist entitles “The Museum of Pre-History”. The Museum explores the psychological development of human kind through “Archives” and “Artifacts” drawn and built from experience of site explorations in Europe and research by the artist. The artist visited 8 Paleo-lithic cave sites in France and Spain for inspiration for developing “The Caveman’s Dictionary”.
During its installation, “Cave Rave” becomes a “performing painting/installation” that is an imaginary archeological puzzle of a paleo-lithic cave painting. The painting is changed by the artist during exhibition to explore meaning and the balance between language and abstraction vs. perception and intent. The artist explores the use of archeology in puzzling together insights into who and what we are. During the exhibition, the artist continually changes versions of the two- layered painting. A culminating performance (20 minutes), entitled “The Incantation of The Caveman’s Manifesto” is used to bring together the puzzle and explain the meaning of “Cave Rave” and the magic of “The Caveman’s Dictionary”. The painting is physically changed from abstraction to representation during the performance, as the artist reveals the meaning of each of the 13 puzzle pieces as well as revealing a piece of who and what we are as creatures on earth.
The two layers of “Cave Rave” (8’x 16’ overall) are built from a substructure of wood, with sculpted insulation-foam layers, painted with water base paints and glazes.
During its installation, “Cave Rave” becomes a “performing painting/installation” that is an imaginary archeological puzzle of a paleo-lithic cave painting. The painting is changed by the artist during exhibition to explore meaning and the balance between language and abstraction vs. perception and intent. The artist explores the use of archeology in puzzling together insights into who and what we are. During the exhibition, the artist continually changes versions of the two- layered painting. A culminating performance (20 minutes), entitled “The Incantation of The Caveman’s Manifesto” is used to bring together the puzzle and explain the meaning of “Cave Rave” and the magic of “The Caveman’s Dictionary”. The painting is physically changed from abstraction to representation during the performance, as the artist reveals the meaning of each of the 13 puzzle pieces as well as revealing a piece of who and what we are as creatures on earth.
The two layers of “Cave Rave” (8’x 16’ overall) are built from a substructure of wood, with sculpted insulation-foam layers, painted with water base paints and glazes.
The Museum of Pre-History Installation Time Lapse
A quick time lapse video of the installation of "The Museum of Pre-History" at the Creative Alliance, Baltimore, Maryland, August 2013. The Museum contains many artifacts restored by artist Quentin Moseley for the three major collections of the museum: "The Caveman's Dictionary", "Neolithic Neon", and "Bronze Age Beauty".
Video/Editing/Installation Crew:
Olivia Moseley
Lucas Haroldson
Jack Rust
Sid Young
Julia Rivera
Jason Mulan
Video/Editing/Installation Crew:
Olivia Moseley
Lucas Haroldson
Jack Rust
Sid Young
Julia Rivera
Jason Mulan
Caveman Constructions
Each of these artifact/restorations comprising "Caveman Constructions" comes from one of several bodies of work (excavations or digs) comprising the paleolithic collection of The Museum of Pre-History known as "The Caveman's Dictionary".
"The Caveman's Dictionary" consists of: Caveman Story Stones, Caveman Codex Stones, The Power of Three Stones, Paleo- Couples, and others.
"The Caveman's Dictionary" consists of: Caveman Story Stones, Caveman Codex Stones, The Power of Three Stones, Paleo- Couples, and others.
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Equinoxfrom series "Neolithic Nudes" acrylic on wood construction with neon 1994 artifact: 44x50"x11" crate: 51x54x14
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Equinoxfrom series "Neolithic Nudes" acrylic on wood construction with neon 50"x44"x11" 1994 (photo taken with ambient light)
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Power of the Bullfrom series "Caveman Story Stones" acrylic on wood construction 2004 artifact: 40x46x6 crate: 44x48x10
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Signs from Comannaacrylic and veneer on wood construction 1994 49"x32"x8"
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Original Odalisquefrom series : "Neolithic Nudes" acrylic on wood with neon construction 1994 45"x45"x6" (photo taken with ambient light)
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Original Odalisquefrom series : "Neolithic Nudes" acrylic on wood with neon construction 1994 artifact: 45"x45"x6" crate: 51x44x10
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Five Charms for Female Magic(two birds, two hermaphrodites, and a death stick) from "Caveman Codex Stones" acrylic on wood construction artifact: 35x43x5 crate: 43x48x10"
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Five Charms for Male Magicfrom "Caveman Codex Stones" Acrylic on wood construction Artifact: 38"x38"x5" Storage Crate: 51"x48"x10"
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Blood and Milkfrom "Caveman Story Stones" acrylic on wood construction 2004 artifact: 54x42x7 crate: 51x54x14
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The Original Blue Nude(Reclining Woman with man, horse, smirking auroche, and tool for The Bringing Together) from series "Caveman Story Stones" acrylic on wood construction 2010 artifact: 53"x38"x5" storage crate: 63"x48"x10"
Caveman Drawings
Each of the "Caveman Drawings" supports research for the restorations of the "Caveman Constructions" and are called collectively "The Caveman's Dictionary".
"The Caveman's Dictionary" consists of:
Dig #1: Caveman Story Stones,
Dig #2: Caveman Codex Stones,
Dig #3: Title Stones for "The Caveman's Dictionary"
Dig #4: The Power of Three Together Stones,
Dig #5: The Original Caveman Murals
Dig #6: The Power of Two Together (Paleo-Couples)
Dig #7: The Wall of Mostly Female Figures
Dig #8: The Wall of Mostly Male Figures
Each of the drawing series has three to nine variations to elaborate the subjects of the Museum's excavations or digs.
"The Caveman's Dictionary" consists of:
Dig #1: Caveman Story Stones,
Dig #2: Caveman Codex Stones,
Dig #3: Title Stones for "The Caveman's Dictionary"
Dig #4: The Power of Three Together Stones,
Dig #5: The Original Caveman Murals
Dig #6: The Power of Two Together (Paleo-Couples)
Dig #7: The Wall of Mostly Female Figures
Dig #8: The Wall of Mostly Male Figures
Each of the drawing series has three to nine variations to elaborate the subjects of the Museum's excavations or digs.
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Three Mojo Sticks Standingcharcoal, pastel collage 23" 34" approx. 2010 From: Dig #4: Power of the Three (or More) Stones
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Two Mojo Sticks Workingcharcoal, pastel collage 26"x 34" approx. 2010 From: Dig #4: Power of the Three (or More) Stones
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Dancing with The Owl Stickscharcoal, pastel collage 32"x32" approx. 2010 From: Dig #4: Power of the Three (or More) Stones
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Green Neo VenusGreen Neolithic Venus with Stick of Gathering, Polished Stone Tools with sign for Fertility and Union. From: Dig #1, Story Stones from The Caveman's Dictionary 24"x34" approx charcoal, acrylic ink 2010
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Five Magic ToolsFive Magic Tools for Gathering with Euglenatic Hermaphrodites and Sleeping Bull From: Dig #1, Story Stones from The Caveman's Dictionary 24"x34" approx charcoal, acrylic ink 2010
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White OdalisqueWhite Odalisque of the Turning Buck and Begging Rabbit Mojo Stick From: Dig #1, Story Stones from The Caveman's Dictionary 24"x34" approx charcoal, acrylic ink 2010
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Blue VenusBlue Venus of Winter with Bison and Buck and Three Strange Mammoths From: Dig #1, Story Stones from The Caveman's Dictionary 24"x34" approx charcoal, acrylic ink 2010
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Magic HandsMagic Hands with Herd of Deer, French Tickler, and Other Erotic Devices From: Dig #1, Story Stones from The Caveman's Dictionary 24"x34" approx charcoal, acrylic ink 2010
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Batons de Commandment14 Batons de Commandment decorated with Male and Female Figures acrylic ink and charcoal collage approx 28"x40" 2010
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Venus Figures"14 Venus Figures of all Shapes, Sized for Equality" from: Dig #2, Codex Stones of the Caveman's Dictionary 28"x42" charcoal and acrylic ink 2010
Neolithic Neon (The Stones of Morbihan)
These artifact restorations are based on visits to the ancient menhirs and dolmens of Brittany, some of the oldest megalithic sites in Europe dating from 4500 BC. Many of these sites surround the Gulf of Morbihan, where the amazing site of Gavrinis resides on an island in the middle of the Gulf.
The series is called collectively, "The Stones of Morbihan" or descriptively: Neolithic Neon
The series is called collectively, "The Stones of Morbihan" or descriptively: Neolithic Neon
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Mane er Hroeck (Shadow Stone)Excavation Series: The Stones of Morbihon Acrylic on wood construction with neon 1999 33"x44"x6" approx
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Mane Lud (Gathering Stone)Excavation Series: The Stones of Morbihon Acrylic on wood construction with neon 1999 33"x44"x6" approx
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Le Manio Sous TerreExcavation Series: The Stones of Morbihon Acrylic on wood construction with neon 1999 33"x44"x6" approx
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Le Manio Sous TerreExcavation Series: The Stones of Morbihon Acrylic on wood construction with neon 1999 33"x44"x6" approx
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Mane Rutual (Protector Stone)Excavation Series: The Stones of Morbihon Acrylic on wood construction with neon 1999 33"x44"x6" approx (photo with ambient light)
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mane rutual (Protector Stone)Excavation Series: The Stones of Morbihon Acrylic on wood construction with neon 1999 33"x44"x6" approx
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Installation view: StonesExhibition entitled "Stones" Loyola University, Baltimore 2001 including prints, drawings, and neon constructions
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Gavrinis (Stone #18)Excavation Series: The Stones of Morbihon Acrylic on wood construction with neon 1999 33"x44"x6" approx
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Mane Roullarde (Oracle Stone)Excavation Series: The Stones of Morbihon Acrylic on wood construction with neon 1999 33"x44"x6" approx
Neolithic Monuments
All of the images in this excavation,
reference the positioning of an upright megalithic stone (menhir)
with an upright sculptural form referencing a figure
on a base platform or plinth.
reference the positioning of an upright megalithic stone (menhir)
with an upright sculptural form referencing a figure
on a base platform or plinth.
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Shamanconstructed screenprint approx. 16"x20"x1"
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Protectorconstructed screenprint approx. 16"x20"x1"
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Monument IIacrylic, veneer on wood construction with neon 18"x24" approx
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Monumant IIIacrylic, veneer on wood construction approx 24"x 34" x 6"
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Venus and BatonCollagraph Construction
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In Shadow of Stones IIcollagraph construction
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In the Shadow of Stones II
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In the Shadow of Stones I
Neolithic Prints
Several series of Neolithic Prints have supported the research for Neolithic Neon.
These include:
Relief Prints: "The Stones of Morbihan", "The Stones of Gavrinis, "The Monument of Morbihan"
Collagraph Prints: "The Menhirs of Morbihan"
These include:
Relief Prints: "The Stones of Morbihan", "The Stones of Gavrinis, "The Monument of Morbihan"
Collagraph Prints: "The Menhirs of Morbihan"
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Gavrinis IIfrom series "Gavrinis", one of six images, edition of 3 each 11"x14", relief print, Oil on paper
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Gavrinis Ifrom series "Gavrinis", one of six images, edition of 3 each 11"x14", relief print, Oil on paper
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Monument of Morbihan IIfrom a series of 6 relief prints, edition of 10 11"x14", oil on paper
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Monument of Morbihan Ifrom a series of 6 relief prints, edition of 10 11"x14", oil on paper
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Petit Mont IIStone with Ax 11"x14", collagraph, edition 6 , oil on paper
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Petit Mont IStone with Feet 11"x14", collagraph, edition 6 , oil on paper
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Mane Rutual (Protector Stone)Soul form with Plow and Baton relief print 22"x30", oil on paper, Edition of 3
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Pierre Plattes (Cosmic Tree)Soul form as Cosmic Tree relief print 22"x30", oil on paper, Edition of 3
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Pierre Plattes 4Soul Forms (Mother and Child) 11"x14", collagraph, edition 6 , oil on paper
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Petit Mont IIISerpent Vessel with Soul Forms 11"x14", collagraph, edition 6 , oil on paper
"Baltimore Gateway": commission for Light City, Baltimore, Maryland 2016
"Gateway Baltimore", a slow moving animated neon mural installation was commissioned by and developed for Light City Baltimore, 2016......the first international light art festival of the city.
This piece was created out of a modular system of 6' sticks and 4' circles of neon to bring together a frieze of neon that speaks of change and unity and bringing together......a metaphor for Baltimore itself as it searches for new definitions of working for a united front in dealing with the challenges we confront together.
The structure and neon components of this mural can be re-arranged into any configuration the artist chooses for re-installation, preferably on the parapets of high rooftops of buildings that can be viewed from great distance, inviting one to the location for close-up viewing.
Compare this installation to other animated neon projects/murals in the "Night Drawing" section.....many installeded in Baltimore, as well as other cities.
This piece was created out of a modular system of 6' sticks and 4' circles of neon to bring together a frieze of neon that speaks of change and unity and bringing together......a metaphor for Baltimore itself as it searches for new definitions of working for a united front in dealing with the challenges we confront together.
The structure and neon components of this mural can be re-arranged into any configuration the artist chooses for re-installation, preferably on the parapets of high rooftops of buildings that can be viewed from great distance, inviting one to the location for close-up viewing.
Compare this installation to other animated neon projects/murals in the "Night Drawing" section.....many installeded in Baltimore, as well as other cities.
Night Drawing
During the 1980s these large scale, outdoor public art pieces were temporarily installed under the name of "Night Drawing".
They started as an undergraduate design project at Syracuse (1969) with a modular system of 6' sticks of yellow neon and some 24" red squares.
The largest piece to date was two 8'x100' animated murals in multi colors on either side of the 26th story of a building in Miami.
Night Drawings were temporarily installed in Philadelphia, Portland Maine, Memphis Tennessee, Miami Florida and many in Baltimore, MD.
They started as an undergraduate design project at Syracuse (1969) with a modular system of 6' sticks of yellow neon and some 24" red squares.
The largest piece to date was two 8'x100' animated murals in multi colors on either side of the 26th story of a building in Miami.
Night Drawings were temporarily installed in Philadelphia, Portland Maine, Memphis Tennessee, Miami Florida and many in Baltimore, MD.
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QLC_8.jpgStill shot (time detail) of "Gateway Baltimore", modular neon animated mural at Pier 4, Pratt Street, Baltimore for Light City Baltimore, 2016.
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QLC_4.jpg"Gateway Baltimore", Light City Baltimore 2016. Time detail of animated modular neon frieze, installed at Pier 4, Pratt Street. Front view from Partt Street
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Night Dragon detail
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Night Dragon8'x50' animated abstract image suggesting a fire breathing dragon, honoring Phaladelphia's China Town, a few blocks away
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Alex's NeonNorth and Charles, Baltimore, Md
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memphis.jpg
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Neon for Monument Square, detail
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Neon for Monument SquareInstalled on 1 City Center, Portland, Maine. 2006
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Cosmic CandyFox Building, Md. Institute College of Art Baltimore, MD. 1986
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Mt. Royal NeonOne night stand for the Opening of a faculty Exhibit. All moving with an animated chase system
Day Sign/ Night Sign
These constructions and prints relate to the shapes and action of the large scale animated neon "Night Drawings" of the same time period.
The smaller scale allowed the exploration of a number of different references for the forms that were of interest at the time.
The smaller scale allowed the exploration of a number of different references for the forms that were of interest at the time.
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Taxi Slaboffset lithograph, 22x30
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Sowebooffset lithograph, 22x30
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Calvert Cliffsenamel on board , 30"x40"x4"
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Splash Downenamel on board , 30"x40"x4"
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Gae's Loversacrylic on wood with neon 18"x36"x30" approx.
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Gae's Loversacrylic on wood with neon 18"x36"x30" approx.
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Wall Scrawloffset lithograph, 22x30
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Frenum's Delight5'x8'x12" indoor neon construction
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Wind Walkoffset lithograph, 22x30
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Psi Walkoffset lithograph, 22x30