abullock.com : march of peace : press/media

Inner Peace, Family Peace, Community Peace

March 4-28, 2008 -- The Pacifist Potential -- Curator's Statement

The power of this collective body of work is a study of pacifism and its relationship to peace and justice. Christopher Shotola-Hardt originated the concept of The Pacifist Potential with colleagues in association with Portland's Blackfish Gallery; the first exhibition came to fruition in the spring of 2007. As a participant and viewer of the exhibition I believed that Walla Walla could resonate with the intent and concept, too. With both Carnegie's great effort, and the generosity of Blackfish Gallery and participating artists, we have opportunity to view and read about these expressions regarding our commission as human behings to living nonviolently. The commonality among art pieces is that artists share their perspectives about pacifism. You will note that artists are not dealing with the simplistic perspective of "I'm for the war" or "I'm against the war." We all know it is not that simple; we also know that war is not an answer to the complexities between countries. These artists--just like the viewers--range widely with their ideas, experiences, and even dreams. The viewer will descern a range of thought and experience which provides balance. Here is a group of artists, again, like the viewers, who have been impacted by violence--from WWII, to the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, to more recent Gulf Wars; some artists refer to these wars while others reference other forms of violence. Although we are different, every one of us--warrior or non-warrioir, victim or non-victim, peace activist or non-peace activist--can agree that we are peace seekers. "What is pacifism?" is the question before us in visual expression and writing. The work provides renewed thought, new insight and ideas related to living peaceably in today's violent world. Taking on untried, new or renewed conflict resolution strategies requires new ways of thinking, and these artists provide challenges relevant for the change required of this day, right now. There is art in this show I do not like; there are themes and ideas expressed visually and in writing that make me uncomfortable. And that is exactly why this show is important. I also don't like violence. It is not idealistic to think that in the 21st century we human beings can develop and culture of peace. Anne Bullock, curator >>back to Pacifist Potential press release