When are we observers or bystanders? Most of the time we are not in the midst of the action. Certainly, we have not been swept into battle or war like in Ukraine or the Mideast. We, for the most part, go about our days with a sense of calm and purpose.
Bak however, reminds us to remain vigilant. Here the seated figure is observing a variety of "situations". One billboard presents an x-ed out figure that is faceless, having no real identity. The second presentation is of a carefully drawn man with a hat or at least, a partial portrait with his tie extended onto the ground. The third panel has the faceless visage shown and the rest of his body on the backside of the panel. Each of the figures are merely figures of the imagination of the artist.
He directs us to observe these three figures and then ask, “why? who are they? who do they represent?” We are left with questions about how we live our lives and why?
Brother Thomas wrote: We are not really whole until we take on responsibilities for others and for the whole world.
Bernard H. Pucker, BAK a Day, January 11, 2024
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When Sam did set designs decades ago he was creating a space and spaces for the play to be performed. The playwright had created the play. The actors and the director brought the text to life.
Once he committed his talent to creating paintings he became the writer, director, actors and the set designer. It has become our opportunity to become his audience and to be engaged with his images and be empowered to create our narrative.
Details of Observation invites us into Bak’s scene to interpret and create our own story or set of questions and observations. As if we are seated on the suitcase at the far left and we begin to describe what is before us.
An enigmatic scene of fabricated figures. The silhouette of one with its hand extended in a gesture of restraint. This figure has been X'ed out.
Each of the 3 figures are painted on a fragment of a wooden fence. Next is a hatted figure with his tie extended on to the ground. Finally, the figure is painted on the last section with its body articulated behind.
We are invited to observe these 3 figures and to try to understand their relationship to one another and to us. Thoughts are welcome.
Bernard H. Pucker, BAK a Day, February 18, 2022
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Wall advertisements for the missing or the dead.
A rough style memorial.
The faceless figure has been X'ed out.
The drawn face with striped tie.
Stripes of the prisoner garment.
The face figures upper body adhered to the wooden wall and the rest of the body attached.
All details observed and to what end…
Is this a temporary memorial or is it intended to cover the horrors that happened here?
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