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A MINUTE BEFORE MIDNIGHT IN AMERICA

__ 2022 _ Oil _ on Canvas _ 40in x 30in   

There is a video available online

It depicts a lion crouching hidden in the bushes beside a clearing

In the clearing,  two animals fight each other for a position of dominance within their herd

& all the while,  whilst the stronger one weakens the lesser, 

leaving him incapable of future battle,  but also weakening himself in the process ~ 

all that while,  the lion waits just beyond the clearing for his opportunity 

The lion does not sleep . . . . . . . . . . . .  

ABOUT THIS PAINTING

For three hundred and forty million plus everyday Americans - - -  soaring prices,  plummeting savings, skyrocketing crime - - - it feels like a complete unraveling of America . . .  Millions of Americans, Democrats & Republicans alike,  have this feeling today of impending doom.  It will be hard to explain to future Generations (if the United States of America - or any of its citizens  - survive) what it felt like to be alive in 2023 and how a sense of deep concern for the future of the Country filled the hearts of so many on both sides of the political spectrum.    (Maybe it's time to turn off the T.V. and stop listening to the News!)

"But light shines on the world, and when we see beauty we see existence bathing in this glorious light and reflecting it.  Every plant reaches for this light. And as blossoming flowers appear in the darkness they suggest that, as long as there is life, hope also still exists."   

PROVENANCE:

May/June 2023:    ART IN AMERICA

JUNE 2023:  THE TOKYO METROPOLITAN ART MUSEUM 東京都美術館

XXII Japan International Art Exchange Exhibition

A juried invitational show of Contemporary Fine Art

Additional Background:  

"A Minute Before Midnight in America" was one of seven large oil paintings to have been selected to be included in 'The USA Exhibition,' curated by Julienne Johnson.  The show opens June 15th, 2023 at the Museum, and runs through the 20th of June.  Further information is available on the Museum's website. The other works which were juried into the show and may be seen in Tokyo next month are:  Saoirse's Garradh;  Dreaming in The Magical Forest of Zduhàc No. 1 and No. 2;  Gone,  Amber Waves;  Floating on The Breath of The Wind; and most dear to my heart,  Romantic Interlude À Leanna.  

A Minute Before Midnight in America

Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away                                                

 Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away

 (Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh)

 (Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh)

 (Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh)

 (Wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh, wimoweh)

In the jungle, the mighty jungle

  The lion sleeps tonight

 In the jungle the quiet jungle

  The lion sleeps tonight

Wee heeheehee weeoh aweem away

 Wee heeheehee weeoh aweem away

  Near the village, the peaceful village

  The lion sleeps tonight

  Near the village, the quiet village

  The lion sleeps tonight

Wee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away

 Rrr, la la la weeoh aweem away

Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling,

 The lion sleeps tonight

  Hush, my darling, don't fear, my darling,

 The lion sleeps tonight

Wah oh oh, wah oh oh, wah oh wimoweh

 Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem awa

 Weeheeheehee dee heeheeheehee weeoh aweem away

* Original available on its return from Japan (October/November 2023)