"Timothy"
Ansel M. Kiefer’s “Für Paul Celan” inspired me to do a Vietnam War-based piece in honor of my grandfather, who was stationed in Okinawa and worked in communications. The wooden case represents the anti-war or “Flower Power” movement of the 1960’s and 1970’s. The soldiers who fought overseas could have been completely against the war and American involvement in international affairs, but were drafted nonetheless. The draft notices and pieces of circuitry are representative of my grandfather whose birthday was chosen for the drafting lottery, but went to Okinawa willingly. With this piece I wanted to reflect the divide in 20th century American society while making a connection to my family’s history.