War and Pieces
Fantasy Gallery Proposal by Elynn Joy Wallace (Studio Art Major at Florida State University)
The theme of this fantasy gallery show is war, including the struggle of those fighting in battle, their loved ones and countrymen who struggle back at home, and the social issues stemming from and creating war.
Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind
by Stephen Crane
Do not weep, maiden, for war is kind.
Because the lover threw wild hands toward the sky
And the affrighted steed ran on alone,
Do not weep.
War is kind.
Hoarse, booming drums of the regiment,
Little souls who thirst for fight,
These men were born to drill and die.
The unexplained glory flies above them,
Great is the Battle-God, great, and his Kingdom -
A field wher a thousand corpses lie.
Do not weep, babe, for war is kind.
Because your father tumbled in the yellow trenches,
Raged at his breast, gulped and died,
Do not weep.
War is kind.
Swift blazing flag of the regiment,
Eagle with crest of red and gold,
These men were born to drill and die.
Point for them the virtue of slaughter,
Make plain to them the excellence of killing
And a field where a thousand corpses lie.
Mother whose heart hung humble as a button
On the bright splendid shroud of your son,
Do not weep.
War is kind.
Because the lover threw wild hands toward the sky
And the affrighted steed ran on alone,
Do not weep.
War is kind.
Hoarse, booming drums of the regiment,
Little souls who thirst for fight,
These men were born to drill and die.
The unexplained glory flies above them,
Great is the Battle-God, great, and his Kingdom -
A field wher a thousand corpses lie.
Do not weep, babe, for war is kind.
Because your father tumbled in the yellow trenches,
Raged at his breast, gulped and died,
Do not weep.
War is kind.
Swift blazing flag of the regiment,
Eagle with crest of red and gold,
These men were born to drill and die.
Point for them the virtue of slaughter,
Make plain to them the excellence of killing
And a field where a thousand corpses lie.
Mother whose heart hung humble as a button
On the bright splendid shroud of your son,
Do not weep.
War is kind.
Gallery Layout
Do you believe war is necessary? I don’t. But it happens anyways. The men and women that fight for their countries and their freedoms, come out of battle completely changed.
When you ask someone why he or she joined the military, you will never get the same answer.
I was drafted.
To follow my father.
I was given no choice.
I wanted adventure.
To feed my children.
To stay out of trouble.
To get a real job.
To pay for college.
I wanted stability.
Nothing better to do.
So I could grow up.
To see the world.
I love my country.
And then, their stories are never the same.
I met lifetime friends.
I lost my leg.
I can’t sleep at night.
I lost my mind.
I had plenty of time to think.
I lost my family.
I learned who I was.
Some chose the path, and some had no choice. But regardless, they defend those who don’t have the courage, aren’t physically or mentally capable, or have other intended purposes in this life.
As Americans, we can defend ourselves through our words. Not joining in battle does not make me any less American, or any less honorable. But those who do fight, deserve recognition.
These artists honor the stories of soldiers, and explore the deep physical and emotional pains that stem from war.
Ralph Earl (American, 1751-1801)
(click on the pictures for more info)
Hippolyte Bellangé (French, 1800-1866)
(click on the pictures for more info)
William Orpen (Irish, 1878-1931)
(click on the pictures for more info)
Standish Backus (American, 1910-1989)
(click on the pictures for more info)
Kristopher Battles (American, USMC Combat Artist)
(click on the pictures for more info)
Thomas Dang (American, born 1983, USMC)
All Gave Some, Some Gave All
Bombs Away