The 20th
was the century of the Modernist. The established art world was flipped, turned,
reinvented and remodeled in distinctive, brilliant and remarkable ways. Works
produced by Picasso (Woman Weeping) and Munch (The Shriek) became
symbols of their times and sparked a certain ethos. Dali’s Premonition of
Civil War is one of the most disturbing paintings ever put to canvas while yet,
strangely beautiful and alluring. It’s depiction of a creature wreathing in
pain as it pulls and tears away at itself is fascinating. Fancis Bacon’s Study
after Velasquez: Portrait of Pope Innocent X spoke to the fears and
hopelessness embraced by many. The original serene baroque vision of a pope as
produced by Velasquez became something of a nightmare when re-imagined by the
mind and hand of Bacon. The practitioners of modern art; Picasso, Munch, Dali
and Bacon addressed the dark dystopia hysteria of their times. But not so much
did their peer, Chagall.
Marc Chagall was a Jewish/Russian born artist that sought
freedom from his home country’s oppressive ideology, first in France and later
in the United States. In spite of his objections to communism he remained true in
spirit to his humble origins and his beliefs. This was within itself a radical
thing. He loved his life and his people as he loved the whole of humanity. Chagall
works to this day remain colorful, fanciful, unfailingly life affirming and
intoxicating. The characters in his robust works; really poetic sagas, float,
soar and entertain with joy. Canvas painting, stained glass and murals were all
master by Chagall. Romantic love, the circus, village life and “The
Crucifixion” were interestingly enough among his favorite subjects. He even and
rightly so included Jewish symbols within many of his crucifixion paintings. He
remains very much cherished and admired as well as an inspiration to lovers of
art, religion and freedom.
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As we look at the world today there are those living in the
regions of Chagall’s birth; especially in Ukraine and in Russia that long for
the same freedoms of life and creativity sought out by Marc Chagall. Chagall was
able to realize his dreams in the West. There are the many that hope, long for
and are willing to fight for those same realizations within their home-land.
There is no reason that they shouldn’t. Some rights are inalienable but there
are those that disagree and fight for the opposite. For those who believe in
something better than oppression we give our support in every way we can. The
works and life of Chagall are proof of the realization of freedom and the
fulfillment of dreams. We celebrate Chagall, those like him and hope for their
present and future. We hope for their best and better days.
