March 16, 2009 issue
Art reveals values
From forgiveness to thrift-store items, artists inspired by faith and tradition
By Celeste Kennel-Shank Mennonite Weekly ReviewCHICAGO — Though Mennonites aren’t usually associated with fine art, modernity or big cities, an exhibit here reveals how much they have accomplished in all three areas.
Judith Rempel Smucker of Lancaster, Pa., and Karen Thiessen of Hamilton, Ont., talk in front of Thiessen’s pieces “Sanctuary/Exile II” and “Zipper Quilt No. 1.” — Photo by Celeste Kennel-Shank/MWR
Twelve artists from the United States and Canada contributed to the show, “We, the Mennonites,” in the Robert Wayner/Black Walnut Gallery.
Robert Wayner, director and curator of the gallery and a member of Calvary Mennonite Church in Washington, Ill., chose the tenets of simplicity, pacifism and agrarian stewardship for the artists to explore.
Wayner was especially pleased to have the textile work by Karen Thiessen of Hamilton, Ont., which included two zipper quilts made from recycled clothing and two textile pieces on peace themes.
“She’s taking the Mennonite heritage and pushing it forward in a totally modern, 21st-century way,” he said at the show’s reception March 6. The exhibit will run through March 31.
One of Thiessen’s textile pieces, “Forgiveness,” originated with the idea of visually representing forgiveness similarly to how the dove represents peace.
She dyed fabric using onion skins, rust and blood, which takes a great deal of time, she said.
“Forgiveness is ongoing,” she said. “It’s a never-ending thing.”
The blood in “Forgiveness No. 5” from her Journey Series symbolizes in part Jesus’ blood shed for the forgiveness of sins.
Another of her pieces, “Sanctuary/Exile II,” examines the experience of Russian Mennonites who migrated to North America, among other peoples who have to leave their homes to find safety. Thiessen began examining the theme of the “duality of safety but also dislocation” while hosting a family from Kosovo.
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