Singing of arms and a paint brush

By Anna Erickson

COURTESY DUSHKO PETROVICH

Aeneus wandered for years in search of a new Troy. While Dushko Petrovich, DC '97, hasn't braved any tempestuous seas and immolating queens, he has invested plenty of time and energy into his Virgil-inspired series of paintings now on display in Davenport. And his efforts have paid off: the carefully constructed and high-toned artistry of Painting from Virgil adds a new dimension to the traditional interpretation of that classic literary work, the Aeneid. For Dushko, Virgil's writing provides a unique source of artistic inspiration, clearly visible in the blended blue-gray hues of the exhibition. His gripping, evocative paintings capture the landscapes and trappings of journey: huddled congregations of boats blur into oceans, rugged riggings fade into the sea's sloping swells.

COURTESY DUSHKO PETROVICH

Petrovich's motivation to create Painting from Virgil originated from a desire to reflect the written emotion of the Aeneid on a canvas. The exhibit expresses the love, war, and inner conflict of transition and change, issues confronted by societies and individuals of all eras. In particular, Dushko feels that Books II and III illustrate the "uselessness of sadness," and the difficulties accompanying a life of conflict and confusion. He also finds the passages involving the use of an oracle especially thought-provoking, particularly in light of the uncertainty that pervades modern society. Indeed, Petrovich aspired, in Painting from Virgil, to illustrate the philosophical tenor of Virgil's writing as it applies to the context of the twentieth century.

Petrovich feels that his work parallels Virgil's in terms of artistic interpretation and understanding. Virgil used his literature just as Dushko uses his artwork to create "a personal expression of thought." In this manner, Petrovich feels that through Painting from Virgil he is figuratively "painting on Virgil's behalf." The exhibition captures many of the broad-based themes universal to the human spirit, thereby illustrating not only the bond between art and literature, but also the connection between multiple artists who express similar motifs through different means of expression.

Petrovich hopes that Painting from Virgil will provide increased recognition and appreciation for future exhibitions of the visual arts within the realm of an artistic community dominated by the performing arts. Small display areas like Davenport's Studio 56 and Silliman's Maya's Room lend vitality to Yale's burgeoning art scene, and this week's Undergraduate Art Show should heighten campus interest even further. Dushko's own future plans include a year living in Florence, Italy and the continued study of painting, a pursuit which he describes as "definitely more than a hobby."

To view the symbiosis of Virgil's Aeneid and the painting of Dushko Petrovich firsthand, Painting from Virgil will be on display from January 14 to 28 in the Davenport College Gallery, Studio 56. Exhibition doors are open daily 5:00 to 7:00 pm. The exhibit is free and open to the public.

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