Forbidden Fields
A series of landscapes created along the Sana River and in the
minefields of Bosnia.
It is hard to explain the rushing waters of the Sana River as it
cascades over rapids and swells in hues of turquoise and rich blues.
Some may say it's origin is the mountain snows but it's real source of
regeneration is the tears shed by the souls whose number is known only
to God. An endless stream of intolerance which has run it's course for
centuries still feeds the rapids of rage and separates those who live
within. The Sana River, and others like her, flows through a war torn
nation. It is an ageless land where millions of mines have been buried.
An enigma, Bosnia is a place of foreboding beauty. It is a place Barry
Barnett has walked and come to love. He calls this place "Forbidden
Fields." Bosnia is a beautiful country of mountains and foothills.
The rich farm and pasture hillsides seduce those who travel there by
offering a view of a simpler time. Those who work the gardens and tend
the sheep here seem as shadows of a people whose traditions go back to
the Eastern Roman Empire and beyond. Byzantine castle walls guard the
hills and prayers from Turkish minarets fill the valleys on their
appointed hour. Bosnia rests from war while its people try to build a
nation. Barry Barnett was a guest of the 1 RCR during March, 1998. He
was given a unique opportunity to go on at least five day and night
patrols as well as a number of other in-country research experiences.
Learning the role of the Canadian soldiers attached to NATO and
observing first-hand their part in SFOR gave Mr. Barnett a life learning
experience as well as 16 layouts for a painting series titled "Forbidden
Fields." While there are sketches and finished works featuring the
military, this series of the 16 original sketches prepared for canvas
paintings capture this part of Eastern Europe in rich shades of green
and title reds. The purpose of these 16 originals and additional works
is based on a humanitarian effort. Once the works are completed, no one
will know of the minefields and mass graves that surround these scenes
of rebirth and peace unless they read of it. It is easy to see the evil
in people. It is just as easy to share their common good. That is the
nature of rebirth and the story of "Forbidden Fields."
Now you can walk with the Canadian soldiers through the photos
below and see the birth of this series of paintings. Before this brief
visit was over, my private tears were added to those of the Sana River.
Now my hope rest in "Forbidden Fields." A work in progress.
Attached is a photo essay of that effort. The title of this
series of works is "Forbidden Fields." The works under
development and completion are not intended to be a political statement
but one of humanity. It is a story of swords into plowshares of death
into life, of people and the land. Of people being allowed to be people.
I have received both complements from these few photos as well as
reticule. Neither the reference photos displayed nor the works have
anything to do politics but everything to do with people. I look forward
to taking you through "Forbidden Fields" and sharing your
response. Bosnia is a place of stark contracts. It is a place of beauty
both in those who survived and in the country itself. Again my many
thanks and words of deep appreciation to all those who put up with me
during that brief tour. There is much yet for me to learn. Thank you for
helping to create a window to the world and a walk through "Forbidden
Fields." |
