Cancellation of War & Peace Exhibition
Please be advised that the proposed exhibition War & Peace scheduled to open September 18th, in conjunction with the reenactment of the Revolutionary war at the Gelston Castle Estate in Mohawk, New York,has been forced to cancel.
Last Wednesday,August 19th, exhibition sponsor International Portfolio Gallery was contacted by a representative of the “reenactment team” and told not to bring the exhibition to the valley, insinuating an unpredictable turn of unfriendly events. Several hours over the next day was spent exchanging information in the hope the “re-enactors” would see the exhibition as it was intended; as a compliment to their activities. Given the historic significance of the war and the nature of my installations, the two events would appear strategically beneficial to the larger viewing public. Indeed, viewed side by side… a pause for reflection.
I was sadly mistaken.
The proposition at the center of my work is the efficacy of war as a strategy for resolving conflict…the actual cost in lives, economic displacement, collateral damage, disease and, of what benefit to country as well as notions about patriotism and nationhood. In recent years we have seen wars initiated on the basis of good versus evil, as misguided as these notions might be tremendous resources and talent remains committed to this enterprise. I should point out here, that my exhibition did not present a single point of view it simply prompted questions. Unfortunately, at the end of the day the re-enactors could only see the installation as a strike against them, and their activities, hence the scenario in which the ugly spires of “Us against Them” would once again raise dust.
It is paradoxical that a project designed to invite a more thoughtful, if not somber view of fundamental human relations, should be cause for a fresh confrontation in this ever so famous “land of freedom and opportunity”…albeit champion of free speech. Who would imagine that a cache of work hatched out of a humble art studio in Baltimore would pose a threat to anyone…never mind the forebears of the American Revolutionary War.
For three of the five pieces: Garden of Peace, Homage to the Veterans, and The Patriots; this would have been the first time these works are fully expressed. I was downright excited at the prospect...and yet the project has to be withdrawn from this site.
Further investigation revealed that one of the major sponsors of the reenactment is Remington Arms, the oldest and largest American manufacturer of arms and ammunition, in addition another sponsor will supply free beer to the entire cast of 3,000 re-enactors.
Finally, it would appear that freedom and free speech is best articulated
by the depth of one’s pocket and access to guns.
The search for new exhibition venues around the country continues. I want to thank you for your continued support.
Best Wishes.
roycrosse
