September 17, 2002

Tragedy, Hope, Fire and Redemption Figure in 9/11 Art Exhibit at La Salle University Museum

Stepping into the first exhibition room in the La Salle University Art Museum, you are overwhelmed by one artist's portrayal of that tragic day last September: vibrant blue ribbons against a black background; violent flames licking a skyscraper; an enormous cross shining brightly.

Fr. Dennis McNally of St. Joseph's University Arts Department has loaned the museum four paintings, collectively called "Landscapes of Tragedy and Hope" to La Salle for the month of September. The artist combined religion and a sense of hope in his art to represent the actual event and emotions of September 11, 2001.

A 56" x 52" black canvas with a vibrant blue ribbon stands alone on one wall. "Girdle for the Grieving" represents the myth of the Apostle Thomas, a man who doubted the death of Mary until he saw a vision of her dropping her blue sash on him from heaven. In the myth, Mary not only gave Thomas her sash but redemption and hope as well.

The largest painting, 52" x 96", is of the Twin Towers. As one is collapsing, the other is still standing, a violent flame taking over the building. The dramatic colors of fire and smoke cover a good portion of the two-panel painting. Fr. McNally titled this painting Look Teacher, Even the Birds are on Fire.

The Statue of Liberty painting is a symbol to Fr. McNally that the United States will always have a "unity in diversity." The focus of this smaller painting, only 23 ½" x 35½", is the Statue of Liberty herself. She is painted in a bright green with a brilliant yellow flame. The Twin Towers can be seen in the foggy, gray background.

Over the Horizon, Follow the Signs, into the Valley. Pay Close Attention to the Sign of the Cross is a three-panel work that symbolizes peace and hope in a time of distress. The sky is the beautiful deep color of night. The enormous cross is in the middle of the panel with many spots of bright yellow, "lights in the valley," placed around it.

"I wanted to have these paintings as part of the memorial. They give some insight into the basic notion of the pain, followed by consolation and spirit," says Br. Daniel Burke, the founder and director of the museum.

The La Salle Art Museum hours are: Tues. through Fri., 11 AM to 4 PM, and on Sundays, 2 PM to 4 PM. To arrange a group tour, call 215 951-1221.