Ekphrasis IX 2022 Virtual Exhibition
SET 3. Writer Initiators and Their Responding Artists
G. NANCY HARIS MCLELLAND, initiator: Pareidolia.
Response by artist LYNNE WHITING: The Eyes Have It, or Do They? oil
H. MARY ELLEN HYNAT: London Literary Gazette.
Response, After George Catlin, by artist LYNNE ZICKERMAN OLSON.
I. LES CISEK, initiating author: Shore Patrol.
Response by artist RACHEL LAHN: Black, White, and MP? mixed media on wood
SET 3. Writer Initiators and Their Responding Artists
G. NANCY HARIS MCLELLAND, initiator: Pareidolia.
Response by artist LYNNE WHITING: The Eyes Have It, or Do They? oil
H. MARY ELLEN HYNAT: London Literary Gazette.
Response, After George Catlin, by artist LYNNE ZICKERMAN OLSON.
I. LES CISEK, initiating author: Shore Patrol.
Response by artist RACHEL LAHN: Black, White, and MP? mixed media on wood
NANCY HARIS MCLELLAND, initiator: Pareidolia.
...the perception of apparently... recognizable images...in random arrangements
...the perception of apparently... recognizable images...in random arrangements
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Half-formed apples drop in midsummer heat, out of season.
Winds carry a whiff of death from fires in every direction. “Apocalyptic,” repeat the talking heads on the television.. Do I see the Apostle Peter in the smoke? He did promise fire this time. He said it was our collective fault. Maybe pride blurs our vision. What if nothing is revealed in the wind and fire except the indifference of the elements? |
Response by artist LYNNE WHITING: The Eyes Have It, or Do They?
London Literary Gazette by initiating author MARY ELLEN HYNAT
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PICCADILLY— Saturday, February 2, 1840
A riot broke out yesterday in the main gallery of Egyptian Hall during the opening of “Catlin’s Indian Gallery.” The exhibitor George Catlin 43, hails from Pennsylvania, USA and since bringing his “Wild West” show to our shores has achieved celebrity status and is a sought after speaker. He has addressed both the Royal Institute and the Royal Geographical and Historical Societies. His recently self-published book: Letters and Notes of the Manners, Customs and Conditions of the North American Indians, has a long list of notable subscribers including Her Majesty Queen Victoria and His Royal Highness Prince Albert. The exhibit, created by Catlin himself during his seven years of travel amongst the wildest and most free Indian tribes roaming the vast little known wilderness west of the Mississippi River, consists of thousands of objects of Indian manufacture and hundreds of Indian portraits as well as startling paintings depicting Dances, Buffalo Hunts, Religious Ceremonies and unbelievable scenes of Self-Torture Rites. It was previewed by the Duke of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland and the Duke of Wellington at a private showing three days before being opened to the general public. |
The gallery was packed to capacity and the curious audience was captivated by the performances of specially trained actors with painted bodies and faces wearing splendid costumes of war-eagle bonnets and hieroglyphic covered buffalo robes. The actors sang the songs and demonstrated the yells and war whoops of the Indian tribes thereby creating a stir of excitement by bringing the ways of the Indians to life.
When Catlin began lecturing, he described Indian culture in unexpected terms different from what the general public believes. One audience member took exception, shook his fist, and yelled, “Indian lover!” The crowd turned on the man and fists began to fly. The actors dispersed into the crowd and a commotion ensued. People rushed for the exits in panic. The police were called in to quell the mob. The heckler was taken into custody, but released when Catlin refused to press charges. No one was injured. Catlin states his exhibit will remain open. He will be in attendance everyday to answer questions and will continue to give formal evening lectures. Admission is one shilling. |
Response by artist LYNNE ZICKERMAN OLSON: After George Catlin,
Initiator LES CIZEK: Shore Patrol.
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While my ship, the USS Gherardi, underwent heavy duty maintenance, she was out of service for three months.
I was put on permanent Shore Patrol. That’s the Naval equivalent of Military Police. On work days, we traveled in pairs. Our main job was to enforce proper behavior of sailors: correct uniforms, no public inebriation, and everyone out of the bars by 11:00 PM. We normally spent our watch duty in central Charleston. One night we decided to check a different neighborhood. We drove to a nearby Black area and stopped in front of the Benbow Bar and Grill. It was past 11:00 and we spotted two sailors at the bar drinking beer. We entered and moved toward them. The bartender got in front of us, holding a 38-caliber revolver, which was pointed straight at my chest. His grip was firm, steady, and the look on his face was all business. “Get the hell out of here”. We left quickly. Back in our van we were stunned. We knew race was an issue in Charleston, but pulling a gun on the Shore Patrol? Every bar in town knew that sailors couldn’t drink after !!:00. What had we just seen? Was this a racial issue or had we done something wrong? |
I was off duty the next day, and thinking perhaps the bartender believed we were being racist. I decided to go back to explain our visit. I was in civilian clothes, it was early, and the place was empty. The same bartender was there.
“Sorry about last night man, we were just doing our job, the same as we do in all the bars in town.” I spoke with a big friendly grin on my face. He reached below the bar for what I thought was a glass to pour me a beer, to indicate he understood. Instead, he pulled the same 38. “Get the hell out of here” I did, and drove straight to the Charleston Police Department. The Shore Patrol worked with the police and I felt comfortable talking to them. I explained what had happened to a large cop wearing sergeant stripes. He listened without expression until I finished, and said, “Get the hell out of here” |
Response by artist RACHEL LAHN: Black, White, and MP?
mixed media on wood
