TALES of modern war are being depicted through works of art at The Beacon Museum, Whitehaven.
Local artist Kevin Weaver is a former news reporter, who worked in some of the world’s most dangerous areas of conflict during the 1990s.
In 2005 he was diagnosed with PTSD having been shot and wounded in 1992 while covering the Bosnian conflict as it began in Sarajevo.
He has used his experience to create a collection of art works titled ‘War on Life’. The exhibition will take center stage in the Whitehaven museum’s main gallery, beginning on January 19.
Mr Kevin Weaver said: “During the 1990s I worked as a freelance journalist for several national newspapers and the BBC.
“I began covering the spate of revolutions across Eastern Europe – the fall of the Berlin Wall, Romanian Revolution and the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia – then the wars in former Yugoslavia in Croatia, Bosnia and Kosovo.
“I also covered the Rwandan genocide and the Hutu exodus to Zaire.
“War is against civilization; it reduces humans to below animals in their behavior and renders domestic appliances useless as basics like gas, water, electricity, food and humanity become compromised and redundant.
“I am now seeking to depict war as an artist using mediums of painting, photographs, light installations, music, sound and redundant domestic appliances.
“I will also be giving several talks and workshops to supplement the War on Life exhibition at The Beacon Museum.”
Elizabeth Kwasnik, Director at The Beacon Museum, said: “These events happened within our lifetimes. Many adults will vividly remember news coverage of the Bosnian conflict and the Rwandan genocide.
“For this reason, this exhibition has a strong cautionary message, but also one of hope. We believe it says something profoundly positive about those who persevered through these times, whilst holding up the memory of those who didn’t survive.
“Last year we recognized Holocaust Memorial Day on January 27 through art, and we will be doing so again in this exhibition as the wider theme of human persecution and genocide is explored in a present-day context.”
The exhibition will begin on January 19 and will run until March 17. Copeland residents who register for a free Copeland Pass can access the exhibition, along with the rest of the museum, for free. Standard admission rates otherwise apply.
Visit www.thebeacon-whitehaven.co.uk for more information and details of the talks and workshops.
