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 I was downright excited at the prospect...and yet the project has to be withdrawn from this site.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

Homage to the Veterans. 2009
Wrapped Crutches, wood, text, ceramic tiles, fabric, and flag : 5.75 feet high x 17 feet wide x 14 feet deep.

The Wailing Wall.

We wail for the Mothers and Fathers lost to war and for those who will keep the children.
We wail for the countless scores who will continue to die and for those who will return to us lost to humanity.

We wail for those who have returned to us unable to care for self, and for those who will spend a lifetime taking care.
We wail for those fired upon by friends and for the friends who knew not when.

We wail for the "manchild" who cannot wait to die for Country... that failed the child again and again and again.
We are wailing.
rc.2009

The Wailing Wall.
Braided fabric, paving stones, text. 8.5 feet high, 14 feet wide, 2 feet deep

War & Peace

roycrosse War & Peace

Preface
the Spirit Temple by roycrosse.

In the weeks before the mission the chosen one spoke to his people and they were excited, seeking retribution from the “evil doers” he cried out for blood, the blood of their enemies. And the people asked, “who are our enemies oh chosen one, and why do they hate us”? The chosen one answered: ask no questions, I know who they are, follow me and I will lead you to a free and wonderful world. Confident in his might, the chosen one will draw upon armies from the East and the West, the North and the South. Young men and women cross oceans to fight a hard long fight and die a hard death.

Limbs torn from torsos, torso from head again and again, their blood dirty bodies litter the pavements of unfamiliar cities carved from ancient soil. Flowers, snuffed out before they bloom, gardens die and families left wanting. On both sides of the battle, children left unattended fend for themselves. But the land of peace would elude the chosen.

Years go by - stiff bodies return, but the chosen one could not rest, stirred up by his own words he would find new and zestful enemies born in the shadows of old, and with renewed calls to “stay ” the wars continue no end in sight. The armies had no way to know when the fight was won.

In time the people raise their voices, but alas they were not heard, way too distant were the sounds of war, way too high the pitch, and the benefactors too rich

But now the people are afraid and uncertain, their neighbors are suspect while loyalties lay bare at the cross - roads. Soon the flag will wear thin, voices will fade, the armies will tire, and father-less boys will grow into angry men. Hushed in their fear the people turn their heads, there; they are silent … are they listening? Can they still see the carnage, can they smell the stench of death on their uniform sons and daughters, do they feel victorious…can they see the enemy now?