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Ralph Sirianni's Fragile Warriorsby J. Tim Raymond |
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New work by former Marine exhibited at Mental Health Association of Erie County
The image is large, stark, and raw. The sense of pain and loss is palpable.
Architectonic constructs in the manner of the painter Francis Bacon’s grid planes separate the gaunt figures, isolating and incarcerating. The line of doors and small square windows appear to go on to linear infinity with only the probing snout of an M-16 carbine jutting into the foreground, a reminder of the inescapable past violating the present.
The title frames the work in a mythic context: Fragile Warriors strips away the armor of modern combatants to the vulnerable, shivering core of all humanity. Even the freely recumbent figure, naked on the floor and detached from those around her, staring out of a mask-like face, belies her relaxed pose by the single slash across her supporting wrist. Individual figures, faces blank, sightless, clothes vague and mottled, are posed shifting, teetering, crumpled cramped grotesques—mirthless in a maelstrom of disorientation, while pharmaceuticals float airily like tiny balloons and a surveillance camera scans the inchoate scene.
For all its disturbing implications, the simple structure of the tableau leaves room for inspiration and the brave hope that veteran care will be a much greater part of the public consciousness from this point forward. Certainly that is the meaning of the caregiver hand pictured in the uppermost left corner, and the measure of a painting such as Fragile Warriors.
Vietnam veteran Ralph Sirianni’s work may be seen currently at the offices of the Mental Health Association of Erie County at 999 Delaware Avenue. His Web site is Sirianniart.com.
—j. tim raymond
Reader Comments
Giavanna Raphael 09 Apr 2009, 21:07
This piece depicts the dark, mental turmoil that plagues those who suffer
beautifully. One can actually feel the inner pain by simply becoming
consumed by the artwork. Incredible!
Jessica LaFalce 13 Apr 2009, 16:55
Ralph has outdone himself with this piece- it is truly amazing! I am
fortunate to be able to see it everyday in my office at the Mental Health
Association. We are proud to showcase this piece, as it truly coordinates
with our promise and dedication to promote the mental health & well-being
of our community. If anyone would like to view this piece, please come to the MHA Open House on Tuesday, May 5th from 3pm- 6pm. You will also get a chance to hear about our programs (including a new Veterans Initiative). Please RSVP at 886.1242 x. 319 and invite others to join us as well~ the more the merrier!
Mel & John
16 Apr 2009, 16:44
A true departure from past works! Shows a sensitivity to the subject with
no fear to experiment. A masterful control of your medium.
Congratulations. Looking forward to your next exhibition.
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