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The Cell Was My Canvas: Stories of artwork inspired by the political conflict in Northern Ireland
Stories of artwork inspired by the experience of political conflict in Northern Ireland.
The book is illustrated throughout with with more than 100 original photographs of sculpture, installations, community projects and paintings.
The introduction by Jan Jordan, Durban University, South Africa, says, 'This story has resonance with many artists living in conflicted societies around the globe, with all of us who value our dreams and hopes, appreciate our loves, and fear the parochial small minded interests of those that claim to represent us.'
The author born in the divided city of Belfast, charts his journey through the political conflict known as the Troubles, his involvement in the Irish Republican Movement and imprisonment in the H.Blocks, Maze Prison.
The book explores international examples of how art has been used as a tool for peace and progress. Then the author then describes important elements of his journey into art projects that are mostly related to and inspired by issues of political conflict, peace and attempts to overcome cultural and sectarian barriers. He provides illustrated examples of sculpture, painting, installation work and mass community art projects that address issues of political and social discord.
This art book is useful to those from any part of the world who are interested in exploring issues of conflict and peace through art.
The book is illustrated throughout with with more than 100 original photographs of sculpture, installations, community projects and paintings.
The introduction by Jan Jordan, Durban University, South Africa, says, 'This story has resonance with many artists living in conflicted societies around the globe, with all of us who value our dreams and hopes, appreciate our loves, and fear the parochial small minded interests of those that claim to represent us.'
The author born in the divided city of Belfast, charts his journey through the political conflict known as the Troubles, his involvement in the Irish Republican Movement and imprisonment in the H.Blocks, Maze Prison.
The book explores international examples of how art has been used as a tool for peace and progress. Then the author then describes important elements of his journey into art projects that are mostly related to and inspired by issues of political conflict, peace and attempts to overcome cultural and sectarian barriers. He provides illustrated examples of sculpture, painting, installation work and mass community art projects that address issues of political and social discord.
This art book is useful to those from any part of the world who are interested in exploring issues of conflict and peace through art.
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 13, 2013
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November 29, 2014
Fascinating book by an artist I met in Ireland last summer. Raymond Watson is a thoughtful and skillful artist in a variety of media -- bronze, wood (especially ancient bog wood), paint -- even flags and other multimedia installations. But before he writes about his art, he first he details his life with and involvement in the Troubles, including several years of harsh incarceration in jail. Once he was released, his art took on new life, statements about the human condition, man's inhumanity, the need for dialogue, reconciliation, and ultimately peace. Often difficult and troubling, this is illuminating, especially for readers who, like me, have little knowledge and understanding of either art or politics in Ireland.
Displaying 1 of 1 review