Dana Ellyn   www.danaellyn.com


















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"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.

 

bust
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"


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micemen
Of Mice and Men (and Rabbits)
18"x24"
acrylic on canvas

Inspired by John Steinbeck's banned book
"Of Mice and Men"


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rye
Savior
20"x24"
acrylic on canvas
Inspired by Ray Bradbury's banned book
"Fahrenheit 451"


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rye
Catch Her!
(In the Rye)
16"x20"
acrylic on canvas

Inspired by J.D. Salinger's banned book
"Catcher in the Rye"


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equal
All Animals Are Equal,
But Some Are More Equal Than Others
30"x40"
oil on canvas

Inspired by George Orwell's banned book
"Animal Farm"


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dare
The World Said Nothing
18"x24"
acrylic on canvas

Inspired by Robert Cormier's banned book
"The Chocolate War"


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1984
When You Read This Book,
You Read with Mao
30"x40"
acrylic on canvas

"1984" by George Orwell was banned due
to pro-communist views (and sexually explicit matter).
(also inspired by...)


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tango
Last Tango in Paris
24"x36"
acrylic on canvas

Inspired by the banned children's book
"And Tango Makes Three"
(and secondarily by the banned movie
"Last Tango in Paris")


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books
The Books
14"x18"
acrylic on canvas board

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underpants
Okie Orange Daydream
14"x18"
acrylic on canvas board

Inspired by John Steinbeck's banned book
"Grapes of Wrath"


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soma
Soma Holiday
22"x28"
acrylic on canvas

Inspired by Aldos Huxley's banned book
"Brave New World"


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terabithia
Princess and the Pup
(of Terabithia)
16"x20"
oil on canvas

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squaredance
(Red) Square Dance
20"x24"
oil on canvas

Inspired by John Steinbeck's banned book
"Grapes of Wrath"


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buttons
Buttons
20"x24"
oil on canvas

Inspired by Alice Walker's banned book
"The Color Purple"


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lolita
Little Lolita
10"x20"
acrylic on canvas board

Inspired by Vladimir Nabokov's banned book
"Lolita"


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obama
Devotchka at the Moloko Bar
20"x24"
acrylic on canvas

Inspired by Anthony Burgess's banned book
"A Clockwork Orange"


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dana
Are You There God?
It's Me, Dana
10"x30"
acrylic on canvas

Inspired by Judy Blumes's banned book
"Are You There God? It's Me Margaret"


more information...


CLICK HERE to view descriptions of all paintings in the exhibit
 


10 Minute Video interview with Dana Ellyn
about her paintings in the "BANNED" exhibit
 


Video from opening night - Monday June 28, 2010
 
 




CLICK HERE for PAINTINGS