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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Wellstone Exhibit @ Weisman Art Museum
Wednesday 03 December @ 14:00:56 |
 by Valerie Valentine
It’s only been a year, but it feels much longer. Senator Paul Wellstone’s death was the beginning of dark days, indeed. A great activist is gone; sometimes it feels like he was never even here. We have grieved for the brave man who was not afraid to speak up against the monstrous government machine. We miss him for bringing method to the madness of Washington.
We lament the loss of a voice that said no to war and yes to civil rights. We have struggled for unity without Paul and Sheila Wellstone’s leadership; the pair made Minnesotans confident and brave. Now the supporters remain, striving to carry on ideals for justice and peace in an increasingly harsh political environment.
Terry Gydesen, a documentary photographer, displays a collection of her work from years spent with Paul and Sheila Wellstone, compiled in a book released this fall by the University of Minnesota Press. Gydesen has done political and social photojournalism with subjects as diverse as Jesse Jackson and Prince. Her photographs capture Wellstone’s public life, a vivid love affair with his constituents. From the election in 1990 through the campaign of 1996, to the 13 days following their untimely deaths in October 2002, Gydesen shapes a record of the Wellstones’ impact.
“Arrival at Victory Party” by Terry Gydesen
Admittedly, the subject of this exhibition creates distraction from the artistry of the photos. However, therein lies proof of Gydesen’s skill: to capture pure, divine moments in a kinetic, often frenzied environment. Rare, private moments are also revealed: Gydesen got some behind-the-scenes shots of life of a campaigning politician. We look in on private meetings with campaign managers, and the suspenseful solitude on the tour bus, waiting for results on election night. Mostly, though, the black and whites present a public passion that’s eager and confident, inspiring constituents with a reverent, almost rapturous energy, as well as with incapacitating anguish. The photo “Candlelight Vigil at Minnesota State Capitol, October 25, 2002” is a surreal, glowing piece; the ghosts of Paul and Sheila were eerily captured and channeled through the bus that night.
In this series, Gydesen creates a portrait of Minnesota, as well. Attentive listeners tilt their heads toward the charismatic man who made us believe the Right to Marriage Act for gays and lesbians was a real possibility. Determined gestures of young idealists exhibit hope for freedom from domestic violence. Stoic faces and the hands-to-head, stunned grief of all in the days following the senator’s death all reveal our Midwestern persona. Furrowed brows, tears and respectful reflection of the mourning period capture the strained days before election when Walter Mondale stepped in, and the stunned staffers struggled harder than ever before, under great emotional duress.
Wellstone’s glory days glow with a shimmering aura of gratitude: this man was thrilled by challenging the status quo with compassion. His memory in us must persevere, as we cannot afford to forget what passion can achieve. These photographs may enthuse people towards solidarity, and to keep fighting for social change as tribute to the Wellstones’ achievements.
Twelve Years and Thirteen Days: Remembering Paul and Sheila Wellstone runs through Dec. 18. Weisman Art Museum, East Bank U of M, 333 E. River Rd., Mpls. 612-625-9494.
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