Gloop Entity
Melissa Dvozenja-Thomas, Executive Director, Arts Mid-Hudson
As our rainy season hopefully draws to a close, or at least pauses, we have the opportunity to venture out and explore the wonders that nature offers. When admiring the beauty of the Hudson Valley, the intricate details of nature’s artistry can often go unnoticed. Art enthusiasts and curious minds alike now have a unique opportunity to experience the extraordinary at ADS/DAS Project Space in Newburgh, where Mollie McKinley’s multimedia exhibition, Gloop Entity, is on view through June 29, 2025. Known for her innovative approach, McKinley transforms seemingly mundane details of nature into awe-inspiring works of art, inviting viewers to see the world through a more intimate lens.
McKinley’s body of work has been showcased in prestigious venues such as NADA Foreland, Turley Gallery, and The Museum of Arts and Design. She earned a BA in photography from Bard College and an MFA in sculpture and dimensional studies from Alfred University. Her art has been prominently featured in various artist residencies and publications, underscoring her significant contributions to contemporary art.
Gloop Entity showcases McKinley’s large-scale photographic sculptures, where she magnifies tiny details of stream froth and cavern formations into grand, otherworldly portals. Utilizing macro photographs taken in Upstate New York, McKinley employs collage techniques to meld dripping phenomena into one another, crafting expansive textural landscapes of gloop and undulations. Her work elevates nature’s often-overlooked edges and underworlds, turning them into the stars of the show while offering a fresh perspective on perceptual depth.
What sets McKinley’s exhibition apart is her ability to transform photography into sculpture. Using large-format prints on textiles, she employs a variety of sculptural methods to bring her vision to life. One piece is a diptych of puffy, double-sided sculptures that hang suspended from the ceiling, while another integrates rippled stained glass into a large cavern collage, adding surprising texture to the composition.
In a particularly striking work, an image of exposed tree roots is meticulously cut to create holes in the negative spaces between the roots. These incisions are illuminated with glowing stained glass, creating an ethereal effect. McKinley shapes each piece into organic forms with contoured perimeters that resemble vertical puddles, slightly protruding toward the viewer. The addition of quilt batting inside these forms further enhances the illusion of depth, making the artworks simultaneously ominous and alluring.
“I invite the community to experience this exhibition of New York State landscapes, where you’ll encounter scenes that feel otherworldly yet remain accessible to all,” McKinley stated. “This level of perceptual intimacy is within reach for everyone. As you walk away, I hope you feel a deeper connection to these landscapes and consider how this newfound relationship can inspire action and awareness.”
Through her exhibition, McKinley challenges viewers’ preconceived notions about the natural world, encouraging us to reconnect with the land and its elements. By highlighting nature ‘s often-overlooked nuances, she cultivates a renewed appreciation for its intricate and subtle beauty.
Supported by a grant from the New York State Legislature and administered by Arts Mid- Hudson, Gloop Entity is McKinley’s most ambitious project in terms of scale and fabrication. Experiencing the exhibition in person allows the landscapes to resonate with both body and mind, as they occupy space in a uniquely transformative way.
If you go:
Gloop Entity
ADS/DAS Project Space, 105 Ann Street, Newburgh, NY, 12550
Date: Through June 29, 2025
Gallery Hours: Thursday 3:00–5:00 pm, Friday & Saturday 12:00–5:00 pm
Closing Reception & Artist Talk: Sunday, June 29 from 2:00-5:00 pm
Contact: Betweenspacesllc@gmail.com
www.adswarehouse.org
