Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) May 25, 2006 -- Each week in America, a single image of a missing child is printed on the back of a junk-mailer and is sent to millions of homes. Since 1990 Artist John Paul Thornton has actually kept and used these "Have You Seen Me?" mailers to paint expressive portraits of each child. "Compulsion Compassion" is an installation of sixty paintings depicting the faces of missing children from across America. "Compulsion Compassion" represents the artist's steadfast collection of the mailers, as well as the repetitive faithful depictions of the children's portraits, hundreds of which have been created over a decade's time.
It also characterizes the compulsion of the children's abductors, whose actions, whether under the guise of benevolence or intent to harm, leave fragmented lives in their wake.
Artist John Paul Thornton explains how his personal connection to the painting began when one of his students was abducted:
"My junk mail came to life one morning, when I learned that a child I knew had disappeared.
It was only then, that I finally noticed the "Have You Seen Me?" cards, with their blurry little printed faces. Each week, the cards are sent to millions of homes across the country. Instead of throwing the cards out, I kept mine in a drawer in my studio. When the drawer became full, I spread the cards out on the floor and was overcome by the realization of how poorly they seemed to reflect the lives of these children. Holding a card in one hand, and my paintbrush in the other, I took read the bland descriptions of eye color, hair color and age. Squinting at the tiny washed out photo on the card, I painted a portrait. Then, another. It was a very emotional experience."
For fifteen years, week after week, Thornton has painted these faces. For years he kept them private and was not sure how to present them. He has since met with many of the children's families and some of the children who have been safely recovered .They feel supported and glad to learn that people cared.
"I want people to remember these faces," said Thornton. I want them to simply look at the ADVO cards they get in the mail. That's how many kids are found. Art changes the way people see things.""
The transformation of disposable junk-mail images into lasting artwork of emotional intensity is part of the exhibition's impact.
Thornton's portraits of Missing Children have been displayed in public installations on the National Mall at the White house and the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C.
INFUSION GALLERY PRESENTS: "COMPULSION / COMPASSION"
A solo exhibition by Los Angeles artist John Paul Thornton Infusion Gallery
828 South Main Street, Los Angeles, California 90014
CONTACT NUMBER: 213.683.8827
Hours: Tue.-Sat., 12-6 p.m. , Sun.-Mon. by appointment
Show runs May through June 30, 2006
Compassion Opening Reception: June 8th, 6 - 10 p.m.
Artist Talk and Closing Reception: June 24th, Noon - 6 p.m.
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Press Contact: John Paul Thornton
Company Name:
Email: johnpaulthorntonart@yahoo.com
Phone: 818 378-8381
Website: www.johnpaulthornton.com
AndhraNews.net News for May 25, 2006
