Reflecting on the subject of public unrest—both domestic and international—the role of art in a moment of explosive social change can register as ambiguous among the turmoil. What painting or photo could truly account for the hardened pain viewed endlessly, broadcast and disputed, retold and narrated once more? The artist, questioning themselves, “If not now, then when?,” can only bring forth their own response to their story at hand.
Morrie Warshawski’s art explores this moment within an imagination emboldened to encompass the truths of social struggle within the language of visual representation. Warshawski’s works strike us as a truthful artistic response towards these instances of social upheaval, not necessarily in an attempt to make a naked political statement, but to demonstrate more clearly the ability of an artist to represent and remake the violent resonances of our present. Here, commentary is thrown away, and, instead of asking us to take a position, we assume the visual, imaginative perspective of the artist to refocus our attention in a critical manner.
I Can’t Breathe
Aftermath
Dog
Untitled
Portland
Morrie Warshawski
Morrie Warshawski is a nonprofit arts consultant who works with nonprofits having trouble realizing their full potential. Before becoming a consultant, he was the Executive Director of three nonprofit arts organizations, including Bay Area Video Coalition in San Francisco. His works as an artist and poet have appeared in galleries and publications internationally. He is the author of two books on fundraising, and has served on grant panels for the NEA and CAC. He makes his home in Napa, CA where he can be found painting, drawing, writing and growing tomatoes.