One of the major historical and practical issues arising from the industry-driven American westward expansion has been the disruption of indigenous ways of life and environmental pollution. Richard Mock, best known for his incisive linocuts that appeared on the Op-Ed page of The New York Times, calls attention to potentially hazardous consequences of the industrial mining process known as heap leaching in his stark linoleum print Leach Mining.
Richard Mock( American, 1944 – 2006) Leach Mining, 1998 Linoleum cut on paper, 22 x 30 inches Jundt Art Museum, Gonzaga University; Museum purchase with funds provided by a grant from the Sahlin Foundation. 2015.9.3
The full complexity of historical and contemporary issues touched upon in this carefully selected and curated exhibition at Gonzaga University’ s Jundt Museum are beyond the scope of this essay. Printed or digital reproductions of artworks are a poor substitute for the experience of contemplating works of art in the flesh. If you can, please come, look closely, and study all the implications for yourself. It’ s worth the effort!
“ MR. HOOTER” Scratch Board Art by Maren Wands
Available At Geez-Loueez Artistry 1514 E. South Perry
Spokane, WA
18 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE