Amicale

Laurence Whitfield is a distinguished elder British artist living in the Neckar Valley, about a hundred kilometres from Strasbourg. An abridged version of his biography is attached. The work for exhibition includes paintings, drawings, collages and sculptures and has been selected to allow an appreciation of his work in various media and formats. Photo 1. Meurtre d’Abel. One of a series of 51 collages transcribing the biblical illustrations of Strasbourg-born Gustave Doré into a hypermodern context. Collage, 30 x 22 cms. Photo 2. La Puce (work in progress). One of a series (of 30) illustrating “Le Bestiare – ou Cortège d' Orphée” by Gullaume Apollinaire, which will commemorate the centenary of the poet’s death in 1918. This project is in collaboration with the poet Iain Bamforth. Collage, 50 x 40 cms. Photo 3. Bonhoeffer. Protestant pastor and theologian, who studied at the University of Tübingen. Dismayed at the German national church’s support for Hitler he spoke out in opposition “with crystal-clear conviction and a complete absence of fear.” Imprisoned in 1943 and hanged in 1945 just three days before his camp was liberated by American forces. Acrylic, 50 x 40 cms. Photo 4. War Shirt. A modern reworking of the Native American garment. War shirts were powerful, sacred garments imbued with deep cultural meaning, which embody the fearless Native American warriors who once wore them. The right to wear such a shirt could only be earned through acts of extreme bravery in combat. Collage, ink, 87 x 60 cm.