By Joyce Kryszak
Buffalo, NY – The attacks of September eleventh sparked a wave of patriotism that some say has smothered public debate.
There are concerns that could mean infringements on free speech. The country music band the Dixie Chicks became one of the first casualties in the war over patriotism.
Now one Buffalo artist is learning that political expression is in the eye of the beholder - and a target for censorship.
Cornelia Dohse-Peck takes us down the long hallway of Cepa's underground gallery. She points out stark photos of her nephews and a few young men from her West Side neighborhood.
They were the models for her latest art exhibit. But Dohse-Peck said it was really her two nephews who were the inspiration for the work.
"I was thinking of , what if my nephews had to go to war, and would I be o.k. with that. And the answer was not really," said Dohse-Peck.
So Dohse-Peck set to work finding a way to artistically express her worse fears of war. Children being harmed.
Fifteen boys - between the ages of twelve and twenty one posed for the series of forty six photographic portraits.
Dohse-Peck chose the boys because she said they represent those who most often are victims of warfare.
"To show the feeling that that would create for them. To have to go through physical wounds, losing their friends, having to kill," said Dohse-Peck.
The exhibit concept called for gradual alterations to the photos. The German born artist said she wanted to show the physical devastation caused by gunfire, bombs, chemicals, radiation - and the emotional trauma of death.
She's not sure why. Dohse-Peck said she only knew it was important to her.
"Maybe some memories of having to sit through history class and see what the Nazis did to people. I'm not sure, but I really think that all the people who feel violence isn't the answer should say and do so," said Dohse-Peck
But sharing her vision proved a bit more difficult.
Dohse-Peck went to see her friend Jim Guarino, owner of the Coffee Bean Cafe on Main Street. He happily agreed to hang her exhibit. Guarino is a long time supporter of Dohse-Peck work, as well as many other artists who frequent his popular university neighborhood cafe.
The caf has an inviting sidewalk patio, and inside, cozy nooks and an assortment of whimsy lining the walls. There are vintage coffee cans, Mardi Gras beads - even a Viking hat.
And there is a small American flag, tucked up quietly in a back corner.
Guarino said it didn't take long for his customers to complain.
"A lot of the reaction was very favorable, but we did have some reactions from people who didn't really think it was appropriate for the space," said Guarino.
Dohse-Peck said at first Guarino told her the photos needed to come down because of aesthetics. She says he asked her to express her anti-violent message in a "nicer way."
So, she reproduced the photos in pastels. But those too came down - the day after a strong speech by President Bush, urging Americans to support a war in Iraq. Guarino admits it put him in difficult position.
"Because of just the beginning of the war. It's an issue that there are just very strong feelings that we deal with here at the cafe here every day, pro war, as well as anti-war," said Guarino.
"And you know we're a small, local, neighborhood business. For really the first time ever, I had to find my way down the middle. I just didn't want the cafe to necessarily make a political statement."
But the decision nearly ended the exhibit before it was ever fully realized.
Dohse-Peck turned to Lawrence Brose at the CEPA gallery downtown. Brose quickly shifted CEPA's schedule and gallery space to accommodate Dohse-Peck exhibit.
Brose said it wasn't a favor. He said it's their duty to provide opportunities and support challenging, sometimes provocative artwork.
"I mean that in itself is a political act, you know especially during this economy," said Brose. "The duty that we have to stay alive, to stay vital, and to ensure that the best of the art world is brought to Buffalo, and that we continue to engage in provocative issues and doing that through art.
Brose said that becomes increasingly important as America's military presence around the world raises new questions and debate.
Artist Cornelia Dohse-Peck said she will keep asking the hard questions - through her art.
But she said she feels a little bit alone out there. She said that not much is being said in the art world. Even Cafe owner Jim Guarino said it shouldn't be that way.
"So many people go to protect our freedoms. I'm not really too found of the idea - I don't necessarily think we have to look at issues the same way, or if you don't agree with the popular opinion, that that should be considered not patriotic, said Guarino.
I think that's the wonderful thing about our country, that we can all have our own political, and economic and social ideas and yet exist within such a wonderful country."
Dohse-Peck's Anti-War Photo Installation can been seen at CEPA's underground gallery now through August 16.
Dohse-Peck invites visitors to write about their impressions and opinions of the work - pro or con - in the journal available at the exhibit.