An exhibition by Noel Hodnett
Disasters of War
Disasters of War
November 20, 2014 - December 24, 2014
An interactive installation of paintings, video and sculpture with lasers, "landmines", a "drone" and Makonde tribal masks. Some of the works on show reference similar themes explored by Goya, Delacroix and Caravaggio.
(Due to the graphic content of some of the images on show this exhibition is unsuitable for children and sensitive viewers.)
(Due to the graphic content of some of the images on show this exhibition is unsuitable for children and sensitive viewers.)
Viewers in the gallery © 2014
Entrance to Exhibition © 2014
The artist, as witness to the times, has a duty to remind people that human savagery has no bounds and that civilized society has a social responsibility to seek better ways of resolving disputes.
Man’s brutality towards his fellow man has been well documented in art throughout the ages, but with the advent of social media and the pervasive use of hand-held video cameras and smart phones, the horrors of war are now brought to our attention in real time. Unspeakable acts of violence have proliferated in the media to such an extent that we have become anaesthetized and no longer shocked by what we see or hear. We simply change the channel and allow ourselves to be transported to another reality at the touch of a button. Unfortunately for those living the nightmare changing the channel is not an option.
This exhibition does not take sides nor does it intend to pass judgment on the reasons people act the way they do. It does however question the methods employed by the perpetrators of savagery to garner the attention they think their cause deserves, and draws attention to the collateral damage caused by such actions. The exhibition also questions the roll of world leadership involvement in the affairs of others to suit their own agendas...from individuals to entire nations.
Man’s brutality towards his fellow man has been well documented in art throughout the ages, but with the advent of social media and the pervasive use of hand-held video cameras and smart phones, the horrors of war are now brought to our attention in real time. Unspeakable acts of violence have proliferated in the media to such an extent that we have become anaesthetized and no longer shocked by what we see or hear. We simply change the channel and allow ourselves to be transported to another reality at the touch of a button. Unfortunately for those living the nightmare changing the channel is not an option.
This exhibition does not take sides nor does it intend to pass judgment on the reasons people act the way they do. It does however question the methods employed by the perpetrators of savagery to garner the attention they think their cause deserves, and draws attention to the collateral damage caused by such actions. The exhibition also questions the roll of world leadership involvement in the affairs of others to suit their own agendas...from individuals to entire nations.
In the Preamble to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, it states:
“Whereas disregard and contempt for human rights have resulted in barbarous acts which have outraged the conscience of mankind, and the advent of a world in which human beings shall enjoy freedom of speech and belief and freedom from fear and want has been proclaimed as the highest aspiration of the common people.”
Wall text with "Desaparecido" © 2014
"Desaparecido", painted in 2002, remembers those who “disappeared” under military dictatorships and oppressive regimes in numerous countries in South America and other parts of the world. This work forms part of a suite of 4 paintings that was exhibited at Britannia Community Centre Library in May 2002. This painting has not been exhibited since that time. The rest of the suite of paintings are in the Simon Fraser University collection in Vancouver, BC
"Desaparecido", painted in 2002, remembers those who “disappeared” under military dictatorships and oppressive regimes in numerous countries in South America and other parts of the world. This work forms part of a suite of 4 paintings that was exhibited at Britannia Community Centre Library in May 2002. This painting has not been exhibited since that time. The rest of the suite of paintings are in the Simon Fraser University collection in Vancouver, BC
Based on the masterpiece “Liberty Leading the People” painted by Eugene Delacroix in 1830, "Topless Jihad" references recent protests in Paris by the women’s rights group Femen regarding freedom of speech and association.
Gallery view with "Jihad Johnny's Dilemma" (left), "Drone", "Execution in the Desert" (centre), "Woman with Poppies" and "War Horse" © 2014
Based on Goya’s “The 3rd of May 1808” depicting Napoleon’s soldiers executing Spanish nationalists, this painting references the massacre of defenceless “infidels” and clerics by Islamic State operatives.
According to the New York Post and a number of independent reports, hundreds of captives were marched into the desert and summarily executed by IS militants. In this painting, as in Goya’s original, the central figure faces his executioners...unlike the usual IS practice of shooting bound and defenceless victims in the back of the head.
For more photos from this great exhibition check out this link (ΠΗΓΗ)
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