Maggie McMahon~I Still Call Her Peggy

Every family has at least one...one member who stands out from the others by reason of their talent! Our Grandmother had six children,those children had families and as a result I had 21 cousins. Peggy was one of them.

She and I were only a few years apart and while we did not see each other often...we shared a comfortable bond.

Peggy was always a bit of a Bohemian....marching to a different drummer. What stood out about Peggy was the fact that she took all of her life experiences and infused them into her Art. I have always admired that ability. I think that is why her projects are so intriguing.

Several years ago Peggy did an exhibit that included a piece called "She Told Me Where To Find Them". It was dedicated to me and her memory of my showing her how to find Salamanders in the woods. One of the many lazy Summer pastimes at our Grandmother's New Hampshire cottage. So in a way....I will have a place in posterity!

A True Free Spirit

Peggy has led a full and adventurous life....she is a Professor, a World Traveler, an Artist-proficient in many mediums- and a Mom. She has not wasted one bit of the talent God gave her.

I just received a notice of her latest work and exhibit. It is a total departure from what she has done before!

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Held Sacred: An explanation of forgiveness through the lens of Byzantine Iconography

I was led to this work by a number of questions:*

• What doors close and what doors open in our internal world in order to enable someone to commit an act of violence against another?
• When is it justifiable to use violence: war, self defense, protecting one's property, loved ones, innocents?
• How many people have been murdered by others in the name of God?
• Does it not seem hypocritical that those who lead the victorious are not "brought to justice" for war crimes?
• Are we ALL "the same in the eyes of God" and what does that mean?
• What is the role of forgiveness in breaking the cycle of violence?
• And, what is the role of grace in the process of forgiveness?

A traditional diptych icon, two panels joined by a hinge, often depicts images that are linked thematically, such as the Angel Gabriel and the Virgin Mary. I have used this device to link murderer with victim. Elements of the two panels echo each other, in way that underscores the shared humanity of the two figures. My intent is that this will prevent the viewer from dismissing the assassin as inhuman; pure evil; an abomination. My hope is that the viewer will instead consider perpetrator and victim as two members of the human family, and will be led to consider what it would mean to forgive the perpetrator.

* (Maggie McMahon)

If you have plans for a cultural night out please stop at the Curtis R Harley Art Gallery and see the McMahon exhibit. (And say hello to Peggy for me!)

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