Stars and Stripes
Mardi Gras on the fourth of July? No, but Will's juxtaposition of patriotic colors and flags with a New Orleans style marching band was a 6 painting series from 1987 to 1990. The first one, "The Fire Eater" hung at the Vorpal Gallery in Soho.
The Fire Eater, 1987, 54 x 46
Why the patriotic theme and marching band? It is true that Will had an unexplainable affection for Sousa Marches. A small departure from otherwise excellent taste in classical music. My strongest recollection was of my father playing "stars and stripes forever" very loud on the stereo to get me out of bed when I was a teen. It is an effective technique.
The three I enjoy the most are below. The character and dress of the musicians have changed and strike me as much more in a New Orleans style. I definitely don't hear Sousa when looking at them.
The simple march of horses and band are rendered chaotic with twisting and tortured figures. I find the horses, particularly the bottom one in "Stars and Stripes with Three Horses" to be quite emotive.
White Piper with Man Leading Horse, 1990, 50 x 42
Stars and Stripes with Horse, 1988, 48 x 40
Stars and Stripes with Three Horses, 1988, 48 x 40
Finally, these last two take a decidedly dark turn. The faces of the marching band are more skeletal. A self-portrait with a white, ghost-like figure riding the shoulders of one of the marchers. Curiously, in the second, it is the marcher riding the shoulders of the white man.
Will with Marching Band, 1990, 42 x 50
Drumming Man Riding on Shoulders, 1989, 42 x 50
Note: Titles through and including 1989 are Will's titles. 1990 titles are mine.
