CAUTION This exhibition contains subject matter and imagery that some may find difficult, disturbing and uncomfortable. Museum staff are available to discuss the works and the artist’s intent.
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibition are those of the artist and do not necessarily reflect those of the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, Saginaw Valley State University, our funders or sponsors, including Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
While the Museum does not endorse any particular political party, we do encourage people to exercise their right to vote.
That said, the Museum is NOT neutral with regards to our stance against the historical and current atrocities of racism, threats to nature and environment, and abuses of power in its various forms. We promote tolerance and taking a hard look at both the history and present state of this country and world even though it can sometimes be uncomfortable to do so.
The views and opinions expressed in this exhibition are those of the artist and do not necessarily reflect those of the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum, Saginaw Valley State University, our funders or sponsors, including Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs.
While the Museum does not endorse any particular political party, we do encourage people to exercise their right to vote.
That said, the Museum is NOT neutral with regards to our stance against the historical and current atrocities of racism, threats to nature and environment, and abuses of power in its various forms. We promote tolerance and taking a hard look at both the history and present state of this country and world even though it can sometimes be uncomfortable to do so.
NOT MY PRESIDENT series
The works in the NOT MY PRESIDENT series graphically illuminate some of the darkest history of our country. They represent where we have been and where we will be if we continue down the path we are currently on. These works are intended to be uncomfortable to view as they seek to push the viewer towards affecting change and action instead of allowing the past to repeat itself.
This group of pieces is the most emotionally charged in the exhibition. When interviewed about his work and the different series Beltchenko expressed a lot of expletives when describing this grouping. In fact, it was hard for him to describe the symbolism of each piece, because he became so emotional. Beltchenko states “They reflect the emotion and I’m highly emotional about what is going on… in the past I’ve never been politically motivated but, we are just as at a point where we can’t take this anymore. And I have a voice, and my voice is in my art.”
The pieces use steel, lead, brass and found objects such as rope, wood, and fabric.
(Click to enlarge photos and videos.)
The works in the NOT MY PRESIDENT series graphically illuminate some of the darkest history of our country. They represent where we have been and where we will be if we continue down the path we are currently on. These works are intended to be uncomfortable to view as they seek to push the viewer towards affecting change and action instead of allowing the past to repeat itself.
This group of pieces is the most emotionally charged in the exhibition. When interviewed about his work and the different series Beltchenko expressed a lot of expletives when describing this grouping. In fact, it was hard for him to describe the symbolism of each piece, because he became so emotional. Beltchenko states “They reflect the emotion and I’m highly emotional about what is going on… in the past I’ve never been politically motivated but, we are just as at a point where we can’t take this anymore. And I have a voice, and my voice is in my art.”
The pieces use steel, lead, brass and found objects such as rope, wood, and fabric.
(Click to enlarge photos and videos.)
GOOD OLE NUMBER 45 - steel, 22 x 13 x 24 inches
The artist uses thorns in this artwork represent the poisonous nature of the 45th President and his current administration; the hiring’s and the firings, the infighting, the tell-all book writing and more.
The artist uses thorns in this artwork represent the poisonous nature of the 45th President and his current administration; the hiring’s and the firings, the infighting, the tell-all book writing and more.
LEAD, WHITE AND BLUE - lead, wood steel, rope
80 x 30 x 40 inches The artist’s chosen symbolism in this piece is painfully obvious - the organic beauty of the wood contrasted against barbaric restraints - and alludes to painful reminders of our American past. The hood is made of lead because we know lead can be deadly and we know it has a direct effect on cognitive development. We also know there is a faction in this country (including many of those who continue to support the use of the Confederate flag) that refuses to recognize people of color (illustrated here by the beautiful brown tone of the tree limb) for their humanity. |
BLACK AND BLUE - wood, steel, rope
80 x 18 x 18 inches The lynching symbolism in this work is clearly evident and was used by the artist to remind us of our country’s horrific past. While most people prefer not to be reminded of these painful atrocities, some people don’t have the privilege of escaping them and their continued impact today. Whether conscious or unconscious, these traumas have long-lasting effects on the psyche and must be not be forgotten so that they will not be repeated. The artist describes this piece as “a visual nightmare.” He continues “the frame or structure is constructed to look and be portable as racism, especially today, is not limited to a specific geographic area. The natural twisting of the logs growth pattern reflects the contortion that I might imagine a hanging body goes through.” |
#20196301951 - wood, brass, aluminum, 26 x 67 x 24 inches
This sculpture is made to look like a stretcher used for carrying sick, injured, or dead people, and the found object on top is this beautiful piece of dying wood that seems to just want a chance to live. The number in the title literally represents that this piece is the 2,019,630,151st casualty of the current President’s administration. There is no particular symbolism in this exact number – it’s random – reflecting the artist’s perceived sentiment of the President that this is just another casualty like all of the other casualties.
This sculpture is made to look like a stretcher used for carrying sick, injured, or dead people, and the found object on top is this beautiful piece of dying wood that seems to just want a chance to live. The number in the title literally represents that this piece is the 2,019,630,151st casualty of the current President’s administration. There is no particular symbolism in this exact number – it’s random – reflecting the artist’s perceived sentiment of the President that this is just another casualty like all of the other casualties.
BLUE, WHITE AND RED - wood, steel, fabric, 48 x 24 x 16 inches
This artwork is a tree trunk that has been symbolically inverted. The horizontal hollow area was created when the tree grew around a steel railing bar (see photos below). It seemed to be very symbolic to the artist, that in spite of this railing being an inflexible obstacle in the very early stages of growth, the tree persevered. The artist believes this determined growth reflects the way this country used to be. His artwork then symbolizes the state of our country today, a country that has been turned upside down and is coming apart at the seams only being held together by cinched banding. The hollow (where the rail was) now has rags, the colors of our flag, shoved into it, in reverse order.
This artwork is a tree trunk that has been symbolically inverted. The horizontal hollow area was created when the tree grew around a steel railing bar (see photos below). It seemed to be very symbolic to the artist, that in spite of this railing being an inflexible obstacle in the very early stages of growth, the tree persevered. The artist believes this determined growth reflects the way this country used to be. His artwork then symbolizes the state of our country today, a country that has been turned upside down and is coming apart at the seams only being held together by cinched banding. The hollow (where the rail was) now has rags, the colors of our flag, shoved into it, in reverse order.