A Political Satire on American Politics
By Nancy Worthington, M.F.A.
“It has been said that in general, civilizations are recorded and remembered by their wars and their art. Against the more destructive side of civilization, the arts act as checks and balances. It is important for me to create these art pieces to express my social/political feelings about these events that are taking place, to interpret what it meant to me personally, in a way in which others can also relate.
Dissent is an obligation of a free people-particularly when the very notion of dissent is unpopular. I have always felt a duty to incorporate social commentary content within the framework of my art. Communication is critical to the success of my work. Yet, it is extremely important that the content be balanced with a disciplined formal order of aesthetics.
It has been cathartic for me to create this series and cathartic for others to view and interact with it. I use satire, in this case political satire to convey meaning, enhancing the images with sound/light/kinetics/technology to expand the viewer’s level of exploration. By creating interactive artwork, the viewer becomes a participant and thus becomes involved in the artworks themselves.”
~Nancy Worthington
The George Dubya Series
RELATED EXHIBITS, WRITINGS and MEDIA
June 2003. Worthington’s “Texas Bully-y I” and “Texas Bully-y II” posters (from the “George Dubya series”) were exhibited during June 2003 in The Art Against War Poster Exhibit in two New York City locations: NY Arts Space, Soho and at Colombia University
- Majlis Cultural Center, Bombay, India projected full banner size “Texas Bully-y I” and “Texas Bully-y II” posters during an exhibition which included Nancy Worthington’s George Dubya artworks.
- The Galleria Tondinelli in Rome Italy asked Ms. Worthington to exhibit “The Nativity” artwork from “The George Dubya series
December 2005. PBS chose Nancy Worthington’s social and political commentary artworks (including the George Duyba series) as the topic
in a short film that was shown throughout California for 3 years.
This short film entitled “A Conspiracy of Silence?” about Nancy Worthington is an intimate look into her life and works, in a candid and intimate interview filmed by Dan Villava.
August – November 2008. Sonoma State University invited Ms. Worthington to exhibit her “George Dubya series” (of which “The Crossing is included”) in “I Express”. At Sonoma State University Library Art Gallery
- Art historian Susan Platt, Ph.D. chose Nancy Worthington and her art to be included in her book, “Art and Politics Now—“ Cultural Activism in a Time of Crisis”. Preface by Peter Selz.© 2010 Midmarch Arts Press. New York, NY. Platt wrote extensively about The “George Dubya series” and of “The Crossing”. She stated “The Crossing” becomes subversive furniture as well as humorous game.”