Building shroud across from World Trade Center Hole Photo Peter TupperThe country I live in has decided to become involved in war. In the past we have been known for peace keeping activities but now our role is changing. We have a conservative government now with a Prime Minister who seems to identify strongly with the more extreme right wing influences of the Americans.
Last night I watched a documentary about the war photographer James Nachtwey and recognized from his incredibly damning photographs another important aspect textiles play in this world. There were bodies identified by the clothing they were wearing, cloth and scarves to cover the noses of those dealing with the fumes of death and weapons, Many people who were shown in the photographs could be identified in a tribal way by their costumes. Textiles defined role and nationality. People returned home to war ravaged communities and homes that were littered with the remains of war, broken belongings and shredded textile objects. Witnessing these photographs of many wars reminded me of the common thread of suffering we feel when war exists.
Last year I stood over the hole that had been the World Trade Center long after 9-11. It was unbearable and I couldn't look directly at it. I looked across the street and there was a building shrouded in a cloth that extended from the ground to the roof. It was black and stitched with large stitches to hold it from flapping away in the constant breeze. It was ominous and comforting at the same time. It was far easier to look at the cloth shroud than at the huge hole in the ground.
James Nachtwey can look at anything and communicate its power.
See his web page at www.jamesnachtwey.com
Last night I watched a documentary about the war photographer James Nachtwey and recognized from his incredibly damning photographs another important aspect textiles play in this world. There were bodies identified by the clothing they were wearing, cloth and scarves to cover the noses of those dealing with the fumes of death and weapons, Many people who were shown in the photographs could be identified in a tribal way by their costumes. Textiles defined role and nationality. People returned home to war ravaged communities and homes that were littered with the remains of war, broken belongings and shredded textile objects. Witnessing these photographs of many wars reminded me of the common thread of suffering we feel when war exists.
Last year I stood over the hole that had been the World Trade Center long after 9-11. It was unbearable and I couldn't look directly at it. I looked across the street and there was a building shrouded in a cloth that extended from the ground to the roof. It was black and stitched with large stitches to hold it from flapping away in the constant breeze. It was ominous and comforting at the same time. It was far easier to look at the cloth shroud than at the huge hole in the ground.
James Nachtwey can look at anything and communicate its power.
See his web page at www.jamesnachtwey.com
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