Artist's work reflects time in Vietnam War
Otis Willie
(EXCERPT) By J. SCOTT TRUBEY Published , February 14, 2003, 12:00:01
PM EDT
The message that Richard Olsen delivers in his work is that there is
no message, only truth.
Tonight from 7 to 9, Mercury Art Works will hold its opening reception
for "Richard Olsen: Up Against the Wall."
Olsen, who retired as a University Professor Emeritus of Art in 2000,
is a master abstract painter.
Olsen's work reflects his time served as a helicopter pilot in the
Vietnam War in 1964. Olsen said he was profoundly affected by his
experiences in war and his feelings of remorse toward those who died.
"Imagine flying into conflict and landing in danger," he said of how
his art was influenced, By his experiences in Vietnam. "The
superficial fat is stripped off, the warrior leaves (and all that
remains) is the artist on the ground."
"(Art is) a circle that never ends or begins... it is perfect there,"
Olsen said.
The risk in his art is not in painting about the war and being in the
ire of the government.
"The risk is 'is it art? Could it be art?' " Olsen said.
To the artist, the risk becomes habitual, and that is what being an
artist is, he said.
"Painting is about making a painting, but truth is about making art,"
Olsen said.
Olsen said he intends for this show to "pull the rug out from under
the viewer's eye."
He said he is thrilled to display his work with Mercury Art Wo...
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Otis Willie
Associate Librarian
The American War Library
http://www.americanwarlibrary.com