Part of Aidan Hickey’s Ulysses series, which was exhibited in Zurich, at the UB Law, as part of the exhibit “James Joyce, Ulysses, and the Law” (April 15 to May 18, 2025).
“Walking south from Abbey Street, Bloom pauses on O’Connell Bridge and throws cakes to hungry seagulls. This establishes the episode’s fixation on food.
On College Green, a flock of well-fed pigeons evokes memories of a limerick about the Bishop of ‘old Kill-a-loo’. But, instead of climbing a steeple, Bloom briefly fantasizes about joining the pigeons whose droppings infuriate passers-by. Among the most obvious targets are Constables returning to duty after their midday meal. Bloom’s imaginary flight mimics Chagall’s airborne lovers – but lacks their joyful dignity. And, even in this moment of giddiness, Bloom remembers his unfaithful wife.
So, adding to the whimsy, I included Dublin’s other famous ‘Molly’, wheeling her barrow of comestibles.”
Aidan Hickey