William Sutherland's photos with the keyword: Avante Garde

Art Omi, Ghent, NY Note: Created by children attending camp during the summer of 2023. left: Race Car and Amoebas; middle: Love; right: Blooming Flower Spray Paint Abstract left: Octopus, Cross and Snake; middle: Wolf and Two Suns; right: Sun, Anteater, Ant Hill ___________ Love Bus: - Ghent, NY (2 June 2024)

Mamaroneck, NY Created from the peeling paint of building that is being renovated.

Mamaroneck, NY

Mamaroneck and Larchmont, NY This work created from a montage of garbage and litter (Mamaroneck, NY) and Scrabble® pieces that read “Free Expression” is dedicated to best-selling author Salman Rushdie who was brutally attacked on 12 August 2022 in New York as he was about to lead a discussion as all decent people wish for and pray for his rapid recovery. He must NOT die under these circumstances! Mr. Rushdie was brazenly attacked in an evil attempt to silence his voice and suffocate the concept of “free expression,” the latter an infallible and inalienable human right. The smiling face is used to reinforce the fact that “free expression” is fundamental to human existence and essential for joy. This outrageous and barbaric attack only serves to besmirch Islam and the good Prophet Muhammad, a strong believer in forgiveness. Coincidentally, it also desecrated the Muslim sabbath when millions of pious Muslims were praying and attending services all around the world. :( The 1989 fatwa calling for Mr. Rushdie’s murder is antithetical to Islam. It is the product of an apostate who lies in a sarcophagus in Tehran and whose name is not worth mentioning so as not to give him undeserved recognition or respect. Let the following Qu’ranic verses and admonition testify to true Islam and the tragic path the fatwa's issuer followed: “…and let them pardon and overlook.” [The Light: 24:22] “Do not follow the footsteps of Satan.” [The Light: 24:21] As for the few (when all Muslims are considered worldwide) who rejoiced out of depravity, it would be wise if they familiarize themselves with the Hadith (a traditional saying traced back to the Prophet Muhammad as guidance) that declares: "Do not rejoice over the misfortune of your brother, lest Allah have mercy upon him and afflict you with trials." [Sunan al-Tirmidhī 2506]

Mamaroneck, NY God created… all from the same organic dust… [1] All souls are alike... None is superior or inferior. [2] [T]he seeds of the kingdom are planted in both female and male… [I]n the kingdom there is no difference… [3] All [are] sisters and brothers… reaching out to a common… destiny… [4] And He gave you… the diversity of your tongues and colors. What should it matter that one bowl is dark and the other pale, if each is of good design and serves its purpose well... [5] Heaven covers all without partiality; earth sustains and embraces without partiality; the sun and the moon shine upon all without partiality. [6] _____________ [1] Bahai’ism. [2] Jainism: Mahavira Vardhamana (599-527 BCE): Thus Spake Lord Mahavir: Excerpts from the Sacred Books of Jainism. Jainism Literature Center. 21 July 2013. [3] The “Luminous” Religion (practiced in China from c. 635-1399 CE before being stamped out by oppression and persecution in mid-to-late 14th century CE). [4] Cao Daoism: Emiel Van Den Boomen. Mesmerizing Vietnam – Fusion in religion. 3 July 2011. www.actoftraveling.com/2011/07/mesmerizing-about-vietnam-fusion-in-religion and Basic Catechism of Caodaism. 8 March 2012. en.nhipcautamgiao.net/news/136-basic-catechism-of-caodaism-1.html [5] North American Indian: Polingaysi Qoyawayma, Hopi. [6] Confucianism. Note: human was created from garbage and litter consisting primarily of discarded plastic from an air conditioner, broken yellow plastic pieces, red and white plastic bolts, a discarded piece of wood, copper piece, broken light bulb and piece of a discarded cardboard box. The colors and shades of black, brown, red, white, and yellow represent the races that comprise the diverse fabric of humanity. Each color is indispensable and integral without which there would be an unbridgeable loss of beauty. The pixellation represents the fragility of life and the smile face represents joy when all peoples of every ethnic background, gender and religion of the one human race live in peace and harmony.

Eco Collage was created from various garbage and litter consisting of broken glass, a plastic spacer ring, and a piece of a light bulb. The green colors were added to represent a vibrant, lush “Eden-like” earth when people and ecosystems live in harmony. It is disheartening that as the planet burns with scorching heat, massive wild fires and unquenchable drought, humanity remains oblivious to the existential threat that approaches. This collage also consists of various shapes and forms to represent how every nation and its peoples seamlessly fit together and thus must work together to address climate change through consistent policy and fiscal investments regardless of so-called socio-economic status – developed or third world – especially since both the former and latter share the same planet. While the development of the hydrogen economy is likely a decade or more away, there are solutions for today – nuclear energy with mini reactors (in the 21st century in the United States, 21 people have died in nuclear accidents, predominantly from falls and electrocution [1] versus the 892 from coal mining accidents [2] and the more than 1500 figure for oil and gas extraction [3] ; so regarding safety you be the judge!), the expansion of wind, solar and geothermal energy usage, the planting of trees, preservation of rainforests, the reintroduction of indigenous flora, the banning of pesticides that continue to exterminate crucial pollinators (bees and butterflies) and the shuttering of coal-fired plants that are not retrofitted to use the necessary filters for “clean coal.” At the same time hard deadlines no later than 2040 must be established for the end of fossil fuel use to promote the necessary investment and research and development for 100% clean energy use. Bottom line: If the world continues to dither, then the prophesy of the 1500 CE triptych The Garden of Earthly Delights by Dutch master painter Hieronymus Bosch (c. 1450-1516) will come true and we will be left with a scorched, charred planet. :( smarthistory.org/garden-bosch If people come together and work together, then we will continue to have a green planet with ecosystems that thrive and humanity will be spared. :) [1] Zakaria Hsain, Alissa Johnson, Erin K. Reagan. Nuclear Energy Meets Climate Change. Kleinman Center for Energy Policy. 5 October 2021. kleinmanenergy.upenn.edu/research/publications/nuclear-energy-meets-climate-change [2] The U.S. Department of Labor – arlweb.msha.gov/stats/centurystats/coalstats.asp and Statistica – www.statista.com/statistics/541314/mining-fatalities-in-the-united-states [3] Fareed Zakaria. In tackling climate change, don’t let the perfect become the enemy of the good. The Washington Post. 21 July 2022. www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2022/07/21/practical-steps-fighting-climate-change-heat-wave-nuclear-gas-coal

Mamaroneck, NY

Mamaroneck, NY

Mamaroneck, NY Created from garbage and litter consisting of metal shards, plastic mats and other debris to provide a much needed smile during these challenging times of COVID and war and to honor Psalm 72:3 written c. 700-500 BCE in reference to King Solomon who brought in an era of peace and prosperity in Israel from c. 970-931 BCE - hence the title 72:3 . "Let there be peace!" [Psalm 72:3 ERV]

Wakiki Beach, Wakiki, Oahu, Hawai’i This digital composition was created from garbage and litter found on Wakiki Beach along with an untarnished Pua Melia blossom that had fallen from the branches above. The title Edena was selected because Hawai’i is a “paradise” on earth and delightful refuge from many of the world’s problems. The chosen colors are filled with symbolism. Green (Omao) represents compassion, refreshment, the abundance of lush plants that cover the Hawai’ian Islands and well as life and love since per the Hawai’ian proverb, “Hāʻawi ke aloha i ke ola i loko” – “Love gives life within.” The eight red (ula’ula) dots on the domino represent the eight Hawai’ian Islands and the lava from the volcanic activity that had created them as well as passion. The splotches of yellow (melemele) represent the refreshing wind that comes off the Pacific as well as the Island of Oahu. The pastel whites (keʻokeʻo) and browns (palaunu) represent the sands on Hawai’ia’s coasts while the splotches of black (eleʻele) represent lava rock and black sand newly created by the continuous and active volcanic activity of the islands. The tinge of blue (polu) in the capital letter “B” represents the nearby ocean as well as health. At the same time, the Pua Melia (Plumeria) on the left is the floral symbol of Hawai’I used to create leis, that represents new beginnings, beauty, forgiveness, and life. The peach coloration on the Pua Melia represent comfort, warmth, and joy – which are epitomized by the smiling face. Finally the Japanese characters on the discarded chop sticks and product label represent harmony and cultural diversity based on the Hawi'ian saying, "Aloha does not discriminate!" With that said, “Aloha i nā mea āpau āu e ʻike ai a mau a mau ke aloha” – “Love all that you see and may our love last forever.”

Larchmont, NY

Boston, MA Created from the spray painted word "Art" located in the financial district and various debris (a discarded face mask, cigarette butts, napkin, rubber spacer ring, wire caps, plastic piece and dried flora and granules of sand from nearby Boston Harbor) located in a sheltered corner of the bricked pier along "Harbor Walk." Yes, Boston is virtually COVID free! There were single digit cases on many of the days I was there and 0 deaths! It was a pleasure to feel free again and to be able to breathe in the refreshing air without a mask and feel safe doing so! :) This is definite reason to smile!!! The soft colors chosen are meant to portray the sea and its flora and to represent the freshness of the pleasant sea breeze since Boston Harbor is only feet away from this sheltered corner of the pier.

Mamaroneck, NY Abstract work created from various discarded objects – pieces of a broken incandescent light bulb, a microwave door with intact patterned glass, an electrical outlet cover and wires. The title denotes the color red from the French word rouge . The dominate red color in conjunction with the various circles represent enduring love (in fact according to the Urban dictionary, a rouge “is the sweetest person you will ever meet… a person who will always love you…” regardless of circumstances and individual flaws, someone whom should be cherished and something worth pursuing), lasting health, which is so relevant during these pandemic times, and eternal life. The abundance of red also represents passion, strength and fortitude. At the same time, the outlet cover represents a means of release since it is within each of us to unleash love, passion and good and in doing so, beautifying the planet in the same way cosmetics beautify the face. Also, considering rouge, is also a powder used to polish glass, metal and gems, the metal microwave oven door with its intact glass and the diamond pattern in the center of this work are fitting. At the same time, the splashes of earthen tones and green reinforce the concept of life and its preciousness. Last, the happy face represents the joy red represents through love, vitality, and good health.

Larchmont, NY Created using three discarded items – a rubber spacer ring, torn piece from a cardboard box, and discarded plastic sack and three colors – white, black and sepia to promote simplicity and minimalism. At the same time, despite the large minimalist swath, this image also consists of veins and pockets of maximalism, most notably sections that depict the textured pattern of the discarded plastic sack while retaining its minimalist nature to defy conventional order. The torn card board displays the name of this creation while the spacer ring represents timeless eternity, infinity and perfect that only a 360° circle can do justice. The smiling face represents the joy that can be found in simplicity and minimalism that consists of pristine, uncluttered space.

Mamaroneck, NY The broken and scattered rocks symbolize the aftermath of the Rock in Horeb when Moses struck it as instructed. The blues and purple represent the outflowing of water as promised when the rock in Horeb was split. The blue color represents flowing water and our individual and unique introspective and spiritual journeys through life as well as our desire to soak up insight and knowledge while the rocks represent much needed strength and stability to address the many challenges and adversities in life as we thirst for peace and justice amidst the violence and injustice in our world. The smiling face represents the joy attained when our great thirst is relieved through acts of love, deeds of compassion, moments of peace and the attainment of greater understanding through learning and experience.

Mamaroneck, NY Note: This work of digital art was created using discarded garbage and litter and is titled based on the section of the Simplehuman® discarded box and label from the discarded wine bottle depicting a multitude of human-like images. The various vibrant colors represent the beauty that arises from the rich diversity of the human race because we are in reality of many shades but of equal priceless worth. The heart represents the hope for a more perfect world where love is the guiding principle and each and every person’s inalienable rights are respected and they are treated with the respect and dignity meant for every person. The smiling face represents the joy that will be found in this more perfect world.

Mamaroneck, NY Green is the color of chlorophyll, a key compound in the vast majority of plants. It is synonymous with positive terms such as clean, renewable and most importantly life including our lives. Without plants there would be no photosynthesis and little to no Oxygen. This fact has just been reinforced by a recent scientific study that indicates a billion years from now the Earth’s atmosphere will contain very little Oxygen as the sun ages and consequently becomes hotter. Because of this, the Earth’s CO2 (Carbon dioxide) levels will plunge as it absorbs the increased heat and breaks down. Photosynthesizing organisms (plants) will become extinct, reducing Oxygen levels by a million times while methane levels will soar by 10,000 fold. As a result complex life, including humans will become extinct leaving the planet in its dying days to anaerobic microbial life. Worse yet, when the process begins, it will unfold quickly over a 10,000 year period bringing the Earth back to its pre Oxidation period some 2.4 billion years ago. Thus, it is more important than ever to protect address climate change and protect our intricate and interconnected ecosystems to ensure this inevitable tragedy is not hastened. And if we can establish ecological harmony, prolong the planet’s life and extend our existence, we can buy time until technological advances allow us to create artificial biospheres to generate and maintain Oxygen and CO2 levels to ensure our survival and that of every complex aerobic life form or at least persevere until the very and inevitable end. If we can avoid prematurely hastening our extinction because of irresponsible actions and policy, we will have reason to smile. Perhaps then, the scary will not be so frightening! :) Because of this, I selected green and yellow colors to emphasize the importance of plant life, renewable clean energy, and our dependence on the Earth’s ecosystems that must be sustained for complex aerobic life like ours to continue. The pastel blues and dark purple represent clean water, also an essential ingredient for the continuity of life. The large red dot, which is intended to draw attention, represents future danger from continued unsustainable adverse climate change and the aging sun. While we cannot control the latter, we can have a positive impact on the former our planet and life do not have a premature end. Article Link: phys.org/news/2021-03-simulations-earth-oxygen-rich-atmosphere-billion.html

Mamaroneck, NY Note: Created to represent the dark winter of 2020-21 due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has led to record hospitalizations, numerous shutdowns, and most tragically of all – 1.05 million deaths worldwide and 248,000 deaths in the USA from 1 December 2020-27 February 2021 alone, figures that don't account for excess deaths related to COVID-19. This digital work of art was created using pandemic-related garbage (a discarded face mask and rubber glove) as well as various other pieces of garbage found over the last month that was placed over the darkest and dirtiest of snow I could find – so black in some places one wouldn’t recognize it as snow. The abundance of black and gray represents the darkness of this winter and the collective mourning the pandemic has brought. The white snowflake and splotch of white snow in the upper right corner represent hope, the flower symbolizes remembrance of all who lost their lives during this pandemic and the splash of reds serve a duo purpose. They both represent "toxic" snow since COVID-19 is clearly toxic to our well being, as well as health and life for we will overcome, we will prevail, and we will LIVE! COVID-19 Stats - Worldometers: www.worldometers.info/coronavirus/#countries