In the photo below, the PEM explains the focus of the work and it stunned me to read this opening:
It wasn't until three months after his death in 1978 that it became legal for Native people to once again openly practice their religions.
Here are a few examples of his art. Poems were also included.
Being young myself during the Vietnam War, and aging through several subsequent wars, I felt compelled to respond to Cannon's words with a cherita:
© Diane Mayr, all rights reserved.
Text:
youth pose questions
to which they suspect
the answers
elders by a refusal
to hear what is asked
provide confirmation
If you'd like to see the exhibit, you'd better hurry--it closes Sunday, June 10.
Kiesha is hosting the Round-Up today at Whispers from the Ridge.
I really like the painting with "hair flowing like a river." Glad Cannon's work is being shown. (We all know the answer to the question, don't we??)
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of Cannon until I stumbled upon the exhibit at the PEM. I'm glad I did.
DeletePerfect cherita response, Diane. Thanks for sharing Cannon's work!
ReplyDeleteIsn't his work colorful? There's much said in color choice as well as subject matter.
DeleteDiane, this is very intriguing. I appreciate you bringing the history and vibrant works of art to us. Your poem is perfect.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kiesha! I like sharing my experiences with art.
DeleteThat exhibit sounds so powerful.
ReplyDeleteIt is powerful. The first time I saw it, I had to leave because the assault of color combined with history and was more than I could absorb in one viewing.
DeletePowerful is exactly the word that came to my mind, too -- both his art and your cherita response. Also shocking that piece of history about Native people practicing their religions.
ReplyDeleteWe tend to forget how narrowly focused we were (are) in this country. I thought we had finally moved forward, but alas, since January 2017, we have gone backwards.
DeleteDiane, I always learn something from your posts. Sorry to admit that I did not know of T.C. Cannon. And now I know about cherita! Yours is a perfect response to Cannon's pictured art. I love the Peabody!
ReplyDeleteYou should look into the cherita, it's a relatively new form and is still evolving.
DeleteThanks for these deeply moving poems by you and T. C. Cannon, and sharing his art. I think he hit the nail on the head, suggesting the congress ought to fight in the wars. All this makes me wonder about our "home of the brave and land of the free," thanks Diane.
ReplyDelete"Until we are all free, we are none of us free." ~ Emma Lazarus
DeleteUntil we acknowledge this idea, we are doomed to never advancing.
Wow! 1978. That seems impossible....and yet, look at the times we live in and and the things that happen we think are impossible now. The portraits at the beginning of your post caught me. I would love to spend some time with people in them.
ReplyDeleteSpend time with them and hear their stories!
DeleteDIane, I am fascinated by the historical reference you brought to us and the question posed by Cannon. His artwork and poem are fascinating. Your cherita is is well-done and aligned quite nicely to Cannon’s work. I like the insertion of the word elders.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Carol. History is happening now--we can't afford to ignore it like we've done in the past.
DeleteI first visited the Peabody twenty years ago, when I lived in New Hampshire. I loved it. This exhibit looks sooo interesting, and I wish I could get there before it closes. Today, I think! We all need to be familiar with heroes and activists like Cannon. Your poem reminds me of all of the questions our youth are shouting right now.
ReplyDeleteIt seems the young have taken too much for granted over the past 20 years, but I see changes are coming!
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