Sid Chafetz stood, hunched slightly, gripping his cane. He gazed over his glasses and spoke with a low rasp to those surrounding him, waiting for their turn to greet the honored guest. Although Chafetz looks as though he should be spending his days enjoying some down-time, his new exhibit proves otherwise.
Chafetz, an emeritus professor of art at Ohio State University, has been creating art for more than 60 years, often infusing his political outlook and experiences as a soldier in the Battle of the Bulge during World War II, which can be seen in the 86-year-old's new exhibit, "Sid Chafetz: Engaging the World." Prudence Gill, co-curator of the exhibit, said she admires Chafetz's work.
"[Chafetz] really not only speaks from the heart, he speaks with a great deal of clarity on how he sees the world," Gill said. "I find that refreshing."
Media Credit: Amanda Forbes/The Lantern
Sid Chafetz talks about his exhibit at the OSU Urban Arts Space.Chafetz's exhibit exudes discontent with current and past political climates. A collection of works entitled "Perpetrators" show individuals affiliated with the Nazi regime in a manner that resembles most wanted posters. On another wall, Richard Nixon's face is covered with squirming maggots and Ronald Reagan is caricatured as a clown.
Perhaps most startling are the newer pieces, depicting Chafetz's uncompromising criticism of the Bush administration and the war in Iraq. "Walter Reed Hospital" illustrates the consequences of war as a double-amputee wearing Army shorts sits in a wheelchair, a mirror where his face should be. Underneath the mirror a white box reads, "Your son. Your daughter. Your wife. Your husband."
John Roberts, dean of the College of Humanities, said he commends Chafetz for his vision.
"I think [the exhibit] really has a contemporary, relevant message, especially for this time, this generation," Roberts said. "He is visualizing politics rather than talking. Students can get a lot out of an exhibit like this."
Sergio Soave, chairman and professor for the department of art, said he is impressed with Chafetz's assiduity.
"His work has always been kind of provocative," he said. "It doesn't look like he's letting up any."
Soave said he thinks it is important for people to see this work. "The [artwork] is pretty honest and raw," he said. "He's very clear about what he's thinking about and what he wants you to think about. He's presenting his opinion but also offering it up for conversation. It reminds me that these things need to be talked about."
Perhaps one of the most significant pieces of the exhibit is "Dead or Alive - A." President George W. Bush is centered with his hands gesturing in an explanatory manner, the hands painted over by Chafetz in blood red. A side panel explains Chafetz's solid belief in free speech in order to keep history alive and provide a crucial foundation for the future.
Chafetz is unapologetic for his work. When asked if he worries about offending people, he replies with a strenuous "no."
"You never know what's going to be offensive," Chafetz said. "People are offended if you look at them cross-eyed. You have to expect that."
Gill said some of Chafetz's work has drawn criticism.
"We had a veteran come in who was a little taken aback," she said. "We talked about it and he understood Sid was also a veteran and was speaking from part of his understanding of war."
Despite the criticism, Gill said the exhibit is important for demonstrating the basic right to free speech.
"The importance of free speech whether it's through art or through literature or through languages is very important to him," she said.
Chafetz said he has found most of the feedback to be positive. "People are very unforgiving," he said. "But all in all, people have been very supportive."
Gill said she can't help but stand in awe of Chafetz. "An 86-year-old person who stands up for what he believes in," she said. "I just adore him."
"Sid Chafetz: Engaging the World" will be shown through Oct. 25 at the OSU Urban Arts Space, 50 W. Town St. Admission is free.
Amanda Forbes can be reached at forbes.34@osu.edu.
Be the first to comment on this article!