Pamela Flynn and the pull of the power inherent in an instrument of harm
On August 4th, 2007 in Newark, NJ four college bound students were in a schoolyard talking when a group of youths shot them execution style. Only one of the girls survived. This incident was the motivational force behind the first set of images artist and professor, Pamela Flynn started on which soon became the exhibit “Considering Harm.” Her work is the result of an intense process stemming from an interest in the visceral fascination people have for guns -the pull of the power inherent in an instrument of harm.
In Considering Harm she wants to allow the viewer no breathing room – no escape.
Flynn noted that her work is a contemplative process allowing time to reflect on the fear that guns produce in communities. She says often it is a fear grounded in the reality of random shootings – people in the wrong place at the wrong time. Contemplation and fear are just a few of the many responses evoked by this powerful art project focusing on gun violence in and around communities.
Bang, Bang #2, Pamela Flynn Mixed Media,digital image 14″x11″
“Each image is linked to an incident of gun violence” says Flynn. The artist not only took the time to research each incident but reflected her emotional response to them in every piece of art. Her work has been exhibited in cities like New York, Philadelphia, Fredrick MD, and now Alexandria VA. For each new city, Flynn adds new pieces dealing with gun violence specific to that area, making the experience even more personal to the viewers. Creating such art has impact on not only the artist herself but the community surrounding the exhibit. While many artists deal with cultural issues in their work, Flynn is trying to do more than guide the viewer. In Considering Harm she wants to allow the viewer no breathing room – no escape. Each of the 30 plus images is linked to an actual story of gun violence and one is confronted with considering the harm gun violence causes.
As a believer in the possibility of change in society, Flynn wants people to consider the harm brought on by gun violence and what is left after these incidents occur. Although, she acknowledges this is a sensitive matter, her desire is for the viewer to experience and take home with them a deeper understanding that we are all part of this world together.“We all share this space together and harm to one of us is harm to our shared community.” Flynn believes a visual image has the power to inspire, to educate, to open the mind to new ideas and to new possibilities. The “Considering Harm” exhibit challenges the viewer to engage that power.
When asked why Flynn wanted to exhibit in the DC metro area and why she chose to work with The Gallery at Convergence, Flynn stated “Not every gallery is right for this art project. The gallery and organization must be about community, and many galleries are not community focused. Convergence is about community, and is excited about exhibiting work that deals with sensitive issues.”
Street Fight-North Side, Pamela Flynn 2011 Mixed Media,digital image, pencil on overlay 14″x11″
Considering Harm can be viewed publicly at The Gallery at Convergence located in Alexandria VA from now until March 21st 2015 on Fridays 10:00 am-5:00 pm & Saturdays 10:00 am-4:00 pm. A closing reception will be held Saturday March 21st 2015 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm
Article by Dan ABH. Pamela Flynn lives in New Jersey and her work can be seen at her website
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