War and conflict have often been reflected in the work of Orlando artist and Bangkok native Ummarid "Tony" Eitharong. His new exhibit at the Museum of Florida Art will feature images of Hiroshima, soldiers and Superman ... and Godzilla and Shirley Temple also peek out from his drawings and mixed media assemblages.
"Paradoxes Portrayed: Drawings and Assemblages by Ummarid Eitharong" opens Dec. 11 and runs through Feb. 28 at the museum, 600 N. Woodland Blvd., DeLand. An opening reception will be 5 to 7 p.m. today. Reception admission is free.
Regular museum hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Gallery admission is $3, children younger than 12 and museum members free. All patrons are admitted free on Sundays. Information: 386-734-4371 or museumoffloridaart.org.
Eitharong's early drawings and printmaking works "explored photorealism with an exceptionally strong graphic nature," museum organizers say in a description of the exhibit. "This quality permeates all of Eitharong's work."
In "Paradoxes Portrayed," the museum says, "Portraits of Eitharong's family address the positive and creative aspects of life and the ability to thrive living in peace. Eitharong's massive drybrush and monoprint works, however, feature battleships, tanks and soldiers. These depictions of war machines in action, juxtaposed with found objects and photographic images of soldiers' families, generate discussions about the moral and ethical dilemmas of war as a way to secure peace."
Some of the Eitharong works on exhibit are part of the museum's permanent collection, but the artist is creating a large-scale installation specifically for the show. Titled "Winds of Change: Totem for Sadako," the work features a suspended mushroom cloud made from 1000 white "peace cranes," in honor of the Hiroshima survivor/victim who initiated the peace crane project worldwide.
The cranes used in the installation were folded by area school children and residents.
Several events will be held at the museum in conjunction with the "Paradoxes Portrayed" exhibit.
Military Recognition Day will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 19. Active and retired military members and their families will receive free admission to the museum. Visitors can fold a peace crane, make a "Picturing Peace" post card and leave a message on the Reflection Wall. From 1 to 4 p.m., active and retired military will have an opportunity to record a video recollection of their service to the nation.
A "Community Covenant Signing Ceremony" will be at 2 p.m. Dec. 19. The covenant is an on-going project involving the community to show its support for military service members and their families.
Also, "Community Day and Prayer for Peace" will be 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 20. Visitors can fold a peace crane, make a "Picturing Peace" post card and leave a message on the Reflection Wall.
Leave a comment