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Unknown artist (Hungarian), Decorated artillery shell
WWII, H. 15.125 x W. 3.5 inches
Collection of Hollingsworth Fine Arts
Unknown artist (Hungarian) , Model airplane, WWII
H. 9 x W. 6.25 inches
Collection of Hollingsworth Fine Arts
From Swords to Plowsahres: Metal Trench Art
March 14-May 31, 2009
One need look no further than this exhibit for confirmation that the artistic impulse can thrive in even the most unlikely, indeed unpleasant, dangerous, and wearying of circumstances. Ranging from vessels hewn out of decorated artillery shells to a meticulously crafted model bomber made with salvaged rifle cartridges, these 300 works-- on loan from private collector Gary Hollingsworth-- demonstrate a wide variety of metal working techniques, art styles, and sophistication. Made by bored soldiers, prisoners of war, and convalescence personnel during the two world wars, these vases, lamps, cigarette lighters and ashtrays arose from every salvagable scrap of metal available, including helmets, shrapnel, and airplane parts. By the second world war, even though trenches had become a thing of the past and soldiers were constantly on the march, the Red Cross was disseminating handicraft kits, containing tools and supplies, to ensure that soldiers were still able to create what became ever-more-complicated works.
For more information, please visit : The Michener Museum
Posted by JoAnn Greco
