John Natsoulas Gallery

Exhibition:November 5th- November 29th
Opening Reception: November 8th

The John Natsoulas Center for the Arts is proud to present The Art of War: An Anti-War Exhibition. This exhibition showcases recent work by local artists protesting war through a diverse range of media. This exhibition will include over 35 anti-war pieces, and feature works by Robert Arneson, Roy De Forest and Richard Notkin.

"Humankind applies its most advanced technologies towards the creation, maintenance and betterment of its uniquely improvised world, or wields those same technologies with at least equal propensity towards the destruction of that world. The fulcrum of the future lies midway between these extremes of creation and destruction, and mankinds' collective energies and actions will determine in which direction our civilization will ultimately teeter. Artists, writers, dancers, musicians, actors and those of all modes of expression provide and nurture the warm spark of our creative human spirit that keeps hope alive. Without art, in all its forms, I believe human civilization and survival would soon be doomed."
-Richard Notkin, "Art and War"

Artists have often taken a critical stand against war. From Picasso's famed mural Guernica in protest of the Nazi bombing of a small town in Spain, to John Lennon and Yoko Ono's honeymoon "bed-in" protesting the Vietnam War artists have used their talents (be them for painting or arousing media coverage) to voice popular opinions and lend support to movements that disengaged politicians seem at times deaf to. These works not only challenge the decisions of policy makers, but they also foster critical thinking and discussion in the public arena. March 20th marked the 5th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. With no foreseeable end to the conflict, and Iraqi deaths due to the war quoted by some as in the millions, The Art of War: an Anti-War Exhibition comes at a very poignant time for Americans.

Please submit jpegs of your work, no larger than 3MB each, along with an explanation for each piece to with 'Art of War Submission' in the subject line to art@natsoulas.com. No CV/artist statement is necessary. We will be finalizing our decisions in late September.

Please note that after sending us your submission should make sure you have received a confirmation email.