"B A N N E D"
a solo exhibit of paintings by Dana Ellyn MLK Library
Washington, DC June 22 - July 31st, 2010
Washington, DC artist Dana Ellyn will have a solo exhibition of her recent paintings, "Banned", at the Martin Luther King Library from June 20 through July 31, 2010. The exhibit will coincide with the annual conference of the American Library Association, which is taking place in Washington, DC June 24 through June 30.
The story told by an Ellyn painting is oftentimes opinionated. She delivers hard slaps to myths of all kinds -- from religion, to politics, to what it means to be a woman. Along with the emotional infusion, she spends countless hours brainstorming about what to paint. Ellyn puts tremendous importance on the content and meaning behind each of her paintings.
Ellyn's preparation for the "Banned" exhibit unwittingly began many years ago. Her thirst for knowledge has lead her on a self-imposed mission to read (or reread) classic novels; often selecting her next book from a popular list such as "100 Books You Should Have Read in High School", "100 Most Read Books", or "100 Best Books of All Time". As she reads, Ellyn envisions vivid pictures -- highlighting passages and jotting notes in the book's margin before the idea is lost.
Each of the "Banned" paintings are inspired by notable 'banned books'; books that have been challenged and declared 'prohibited' from the public by one or more authoritative body. Ellyn thrives on controversy, loves to read and tell stories, and simply adores the process of painting. This exhibit was literally tailor-made for her and by her.
I Must, I Must I Must Increase My Bust
20"x24"
acrylic on canvas
Inspired by Judy Blumes's banned book "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret"
