Josh Kirby - The Voyage Of The Ayeguy, 1980

Departure

Arrival Of The Ark

Adoration Of The Imag

Death Of A Spaceman

Deposition

Ascension

"Voyage of the Ayeguy is a series of paintings of deep personal significance to Kirby, widely regarded as his tour de force. The paintings chart the epic voyage of ambassadors from the Ayeguy civilisation commanded to: 'Go, civilise the savage planets!' in their spaceship, the Ark. The biblical parallels are overt: the central traveller is Kirby’s idealistic ‘Christ’ figure, Jay Zuzz.

Initially separate paintings, by the third a thread emerged. An American commission to publish six works as a portfolio (1980) accelerated the project and Kirby wrote an accompanying text. He added new paintings right up to the time of his death.

Each scene presents challenge, confrontation and emotion as the spaceman protagonist pursues his mission across a strange planet. They are masterpieces of baroque composition, complex allegories orchestrated in rich colour and detail, combining the influences of Hieronymous Bosch, Pieter Breugel, Rubens and the muralist Frank Brangwyn." - quote source

Many thanks to David T. Alexander Collectibles for the scans.

This portfolio of amazing Josh Kirby prints is for sale on their site here.

See more of Kirby's art here.