LAP in Philadelphia
Friday, February 6th, 2009
First Friday Focus
Lori Hill’s First Friday Hit List
|
|
|
|
|
|
Published: Feb 3, 2009
Wendy Mceahern Photography Love Armor Humvee cozy, collaboration of more than 70 artists, 2007-08 |
Ice Box Project Space
Just because you support a peaceful resolution to conflict doesn’t mean you don’t support the troops. Enter the “Love Armor Project,” a serious, compassionate tribute to the military’s efforts and to the plight of innocent civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan. The central piece, a knitted cover for a Humvee — a kind of cozy for the war vehicle — floats in midair, rubber and steel giving way to cotton and string. Reminiscent of Claes Oldenburg’s soft sculptures, the Humvee cozy takes the edge off a cold, hardened object and wraps it in love.
After they conceived the project, Shirley Klinghoffer and Sarah Hewitt enlisted more than 70 artists to create the sculpture; Molly Sturges wrote an original composition, “Salve,” specifically for the project. All three did their research, interviewing members of the military about their experiences to inform their work. Sturges’ piece is influenced by the difficulties encountered by veterans returning to their previous lives after war. The Ice Box show will include video footage of interviews with returning soldiers called “Trauma Testimonials.” Preparatory drawings, photographs, schematic drawings for a Humvee and a reading table with books from the Warrior Writers Project round out the show. Opening reception Thu., Feb. 12, 6-9 p.m., exhibit through Feb. 26, 1400 N. American St., 215-232-3203, lovearmorproject.com.