Explosive Exhibition

With all that we know from history books, photojournalistic images and survivor accounts, is it possible to consider a bomb as a thing of beauty? Is it likely that one could feast their eyes upon a weapon of mass destruction and find a feeling of warmth? A carry over of...

By Merritt Martin

February 21, 2008

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With all that we know from history books, photojournalistic images and survivor accounts, is it possible to consider a bomb as a thing of beauty? Is it likely that one could feast their eyes upon a weapon of mass destruction and find a feeling of warmth? A carry over of fond memories from life during the Cold War? Perhaps, it's even possible to assign a sort of cartoon BAM! POW! quality to threatening and intimidating symbols. Or, when faced with the bomb do we reflect on grief and mayhem past and possible? Find out for yourself at Barry Whistler Gallery, 2909-B Canton St. Artist Robert Wilhite presents a "full-scale interpretation" of Fat Man, the nuclear bomb that wreaked havoc on Nagasaki, Japan in 1945. The Bomb is a skeleton of sorts, with no outer covering to protect its innards. Ironic. In tandem, Kirsten Macy exhibits her New Paintings and works on paper that also employ a sort of explosive, skyward theme peppered with safety orange. Bring back time spent playing in Grandaddy's backyard bomb shelter or think upon what might happen. It's your call. Gallery hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays. Call 214-939-0242 or visit barrywhistlergallery.com.
Wednesdays-Saturdays, 12-5 p.m. Starts: June 26. Continues through July 26, 2008

Merritt Martin has written for the Dallas Observer for over two decades. She has also contributed to Eater, DMN and USA Today. In addition to arts and culture writing, she spends entirely too much time extolling the virtues of pears, black clothing, and her cat Kenneth.

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