“B A N N E D”
a solo exhibit of paintings by Dana Ellyn
MLK Library — Washington, DC
June 22 – July 31, 2010
Washington, DC artist Dana Ellyn presented a solo exhibition of her recent paintings, “Banned”, at the Martin Luther King Library from June 22 through July 31, 2010. The exhibit coincided with the annual conference of the American Library Association, which took 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 led 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″×24″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by Judy Blume’s banned book
“Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret”
Of Mice and Men (and Rabbits)
18″×24″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by John Steinbeck’s banned book
“Of Mice and Men”
Savior
20″×24″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by Ray Bradbury’s banned book
“Fahrenheit 451”
Catch Her!
(In the Rye)
16″×20″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by J.D. Salinger’s banned book
“Catcher in the Rye”
All Animals Are Equal,
But Some Are More Equal Than Others
30″×40″ · oil on canvas
Inspired by George Orwell’s banned book
“Animal Farm”
The World Said Nothing
18″×24″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by Robert Cormier’s banned book
“The Chocolate War”
When You Read This Book,
You Read with Mao
30″×40″ · acrylic on canvas
“1984” by George Orwell was banned due to pro-communist views (and sexually explicit matter).
more information…
Last Tango in Paris
24″×36″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by the banned children’s book “And Tango Makes Three” (and secondarily by the banned movie “Last Tango in Paris”)
more information…
Okie Orange Daydream
14″×18″ · acrylic on canvas board
Inspired by John Steinbeck’s banned book
“Grapes of Wrath”
Soma Holiday
22″×28″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by Aldous Huxley’s banned book
“Brave New World”
(Red) Square Dance
20″×24″ · oil on canvas
Inspired by John Steinbeck’s banned book
“Grapes of Wrath”
Buttons
20″×24″ · oil on canvas
Inspired by Alice Walker’s banned book
“The Color Purple”
Little Lolita
10″×20″ · acrylic on canvas board
Inspired by Vladimir Nabokov’s banned book
“Lolita”
Devotchka at the Moloko Bar
20″×24″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by Anthony Burgess’s banned book
“A Clockwork Orange”
Are You There God?
It’s Me, Dana
10″×30″ · acrylic on canvas
Inspired by Judy Blume’s banned book
“Are You There God? It’s Me Margaret”
10-Minute Video Interview with Dana Ellyn
about her paintings in the “BANNED” exhibit
(Original interview video — contact Dana for access)
Video from opening night — Monday June 28, 2010
