On the Bookshelves: Cornelius McCarthy

It is Cornelius McCarthy's moment. With an exhibition in London and a new 300-page biography laced with beautiful plates of his stylized, colorful drawings and paintings, the artist is being exposed to a wider audience.

"Radiant Affinities," an exhibition of British gay painter Cornelius McCarthy (1935-2009) opened February 12 in London at Tower Hamlets Local History Library & Archives and also celebrated the arrival of 62 sketchbooks at Tower Hamlets. The exhibition runs through May 7.

The book, Radiant Affinities, The Life and Work of Cornelius McCarthy, is the first full-length biography of McCarthy, a painter whose work is to be found in private collections worldwide but is still relatively unfamiliar. After more than four years of research by British author Peter Dobson, who also knew the artist for more than 40 years, the book shows a passionate artist who leaves behind wonderful artworks in which the male form frequently returns.

Above right, Peter Dobson gives a talk on McCarthy's 'Narcissus' paintings at the opening night of the exhibition at Tower Hamlets Local History Library on February 12, 2015.

This lavishly illustrated book examines his artistic legacy in the context of the unprecedented social, cultural and political change in which he lived and worked, from World War II London through to the sexual politics and ideological struggles of the 21st century. His vibrant imagery, compassionate response to suffering, and commitment to human values sometimes make his pictures challenging, but they often achieve a sense of emotional balance and a special radiance.

There will be a book launch April 18 at the Tower Hamlets Local History Library and Archives at 277 Bancroft Road, Stepney, E1 4DQ. Radiant Affinities is the seventh book produced by the MooiMan male art gallery since 2006. The book will also be for sale in the U.K. at Gay's the Word bookshop in London.

To order from MooiMan direct: Radiant Affinities, The Life and Work of Cornelius McCarthy

All images (c) Alec Ayres, the former partner of McCarthy.

Two Figures, Tunisia

Et in Arcadia Ego, 1987. Oil on canvas, 76 x 71 cm.

Bike Boy With Girl in Gold Lame Dress, 1986. Gouache, 37 x 47 cm.

Mick Jones With Count James Francis de Gallatin, no date. Gouache on paper

Narcissus Combing his Hair, 1988. Gouache, 29 x 21.5 cm.

Waiter, Merida, 1997. Oil on board, 33 x 24.5 cm.

XIII Station: Two Mourners [Belfast Stations of the Cross series] c. 1983. Gouache

XII Station: The Execution, c. 1982. Design sketch in gouache on paper, sheet size 41.8 x 29.8 cm.

Black Entombment, 1992. Gouache on plaster board, 75 x 60 cm.

Four Boys Bathing, 1999. Pastels on paper, 45.8 x 57 cm.

Beach Hut Figures, 2003. Gouache, 35.5 x 44.5 cm.

Capitoline Afternoon, 2009. Gouache on cartridge paper, 23 x 16. 5 cm.

Studio with Naked Sailor, 1994. Oil on canvas, 121 x 106 cm.

Bronze Boy, 2009. Gouache on cartridge paper, 21.5 x 20 cm.

Dockland Bathers

The Great Facade, 2007. Oil on canvas, 40 x 50 cm.

Young Docker - Edward, 2008. Oil on canvas, 40 x 30 cm.

Alec and Cornelius in the sitting room at Willow End, March 2007. Photograph by Nebojsa Zdravkovic.