Central Eurasian Studies at Harvard University
EVENT- Open House with Dr. Jack Kevorkian, ALMA, Watertown, Oct. 5
Posted by: Christie Hardiman <christie@almainc.org>
Event Announcement: OPEN HOUSE WITH DR. JACK KEVORKIAN - Kevorkian
Talks about his Art and Campaign for U.S. Congress at Armenian Library
and Museum of America Sunday, October 5, 2008
WHO: Dr. Jack Kevorkian
WHAT: OPEN HOUSE WITH DR. JACK KEVORKIAN
WHEN: Sunday, October 5, 2008 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
WHERE: Armenian Library and Museum of America, 65 Main Street,
Watertown, Mass. 02472
Posted By:
Christie Hardiman
PR & Membership Outreach Coordinator
Armenian Library & Museum of America, Inc.
Phone: 617.926.2562 x 4
Fax: 617.926.0175
Website: www.almainc.org
Watertown, MAWhile Jack Kevorkian may be best known for his
controversial position on death with dignity practices, the former
pathologist is also a musician, composer and artist whose paintings,
unsurprisingly, explore some of the darker aspects of human nature.
Following his recent release from prison, Dr. Kevorkian will visit the
Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown, Mass. from
3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 5 to mark the opening of "The Doctor Is
Out: The Art of Dr. Jack Kevorkian." The exhibit, which features 16 of
Kevorkian's dramatic creations, will also give the artist and social
activist a stage to discuss the inspiration behind his paintings and
his independent campaign for U.S. Congress.
Born in 1928 in Pontiac, Michigan to survivors of the Armenian
Genocide, Kevorkian moved to California in 1976, where he worked as a
pathologist and found time to explore his keen interest in art. His
finished paintings, among other personal possessions, were eventually
stolen from the California storage facility that he placed them in.
Discouraged, but not one to give up, Kevorkian began painting again in
1993. He successfully recreated some of the 18 pieces of his stolen
art, which he later donated to ALMA prior to his incarceration.
As author Michael Betzold describes in his book, Appointment with
Doctor Death, "Kevorkian's art is as bold and strident, as critical
and unforgiving, as pointed and dramatic as Kevorkian's own fighting
words." He continues that Kevorkian's works "are strikingly
well-executed, stark and surreal --and frightening, demented and/or
hilarious, depending on one's point of view."
Kevorkian refers to his paintings as "pictorial philosophy" social,
political and medical commentaries that should provoke thought and
discussion on aspects of life that may be disagreeable but are
universal. "It is not for art's sake, so do not criticize me for the
art," says Kevorkian. "The paintings are often political
commentaries. I use bright colors to get people's attention and to
try to make them think."
OPEN HOUSE WITH DOCTOR JACK KEVORKIAN will take place from 3 to 5 p.m.
on Sunday, October 5 at ALMA's Bedoukian Hall. (Regular admission
applies.) The exhibit will be on display through December 5, 2008.
This is the second exhibit of Kevorkian's paintings at ALMA. The first
one was held in 1999, following the donation of the art to the museum.
At the time, Kevorkian did not attend the exhibit since he was
awaiting trial in Michigan.
For more information about ALMA and for the schedule of events and
exhibits please visit, www.almainc.org or call (617) 926-2562.
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