Escape Into Life: Issue No. 25
No Such Thing As a Precisionist Pussycat... according to Robert Hughes the term ‘precisionist’ was introduced by the painter-photographer Charles Sheeler (1883-1965) to indicate exact, bold, flat, industrial images which fell into the realm of photography in both style and substance. “No expressive strokes of paint. Anything live or organic, like trees or people, was kept out. There was no such thing as a Precisionist pussycat.” Fred Shively examines the precisionist movement with his characteristic wit and … well….precision.
Bo Bartlett: Paintings of Home… our new contributor Meredith Rosenburg examines the recent work of Bo Bartlett in a challenging essay that is sure to ignite a close examination of his paintings and perhaps inspire debate about intention and meaning as they are found in seemingly straight-forward images. Bartlett’s take on domestic scenes of memory imply both familiarity and and an eerie and unsettling irregularity. As Rosenburg questions her own responses to his work, we as readers find ourselves caught in an internal debate, which may or may not be part of the artist’s purpose.
Music Review: Staff Benda Bilili…. Luke Grundy aptly points out that the word “brave” when applied to musicians is usually a misnomer describing modern day Ghengis Khan-like Lords of the Universe. This band and their new album Très Très Fort is an exception. Difficult to describe, full of imagination and catchy rhythms, the band lives up to its name, which means “look beyond appearances.” Indeed, Grundy was, for the first time, unable to find comparable music for those interested in similar themes.
The Poetry of Richard Jones… with passion and delicacy, in slickly-ripened words with violence and exactitude; Jones reveals the bones, skin, and sinew of his experience. These poems are distinctly personal and yet in every way recognizable to other human creatures. After reading the Kathleen Kirk’s selection you will be searching for his books.
Art Review: The Work of Herbert Freeman… a self-taught artist, Freeman works in a variety of mediums to produce complex and vivid images infused with dignity and mystery. His work includes many forms and faces, human figures with an almost royal aspect as well as diagrammatical works of mysterious grace. Scott Rothstein provides us with a brief glimpse of Freeman’s work and unusual aesthetic.
Stacy Ericson is an editor and photographer who has beenwriting poetry since she was a child.Her work often reflects her interest in other cultures, ancient languages and religion, and visceral passions. She says “To me poetry is a very serious undertaking involving studying poets that have gone before, the changing styles and goals of different time periods, specific imagery, unexpected juxtapositions, and a consciousness of meter and trope.”
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