Art as Therapy

Unveiling the Past: History’s Most Captivating Tales

Chappaquiddick’s Enduring Mystery: Dive into the murky depths of the 1969 Chappaquiddick incident, where a political scandal left unanswered questions that continue to haunt nearly 50 years later.

Public Domain’s New Treasures: Rejoice, literature enthusiasts! On January 1, 2019, a trove of copyrighted works from 1923 will enter the public domain, enriching our cultural heritage.

Beyond Genes: Fathers’ Epigenetic Legacy: Discover the groundbreaking research revealing how fathers pass on crucial genetic information that shapes their offspring’s development.

Medieval Mystery: The Enigmatic Coffin Birth: Embark on an archaeological journey to uncover the secrets of a medieval grave, where a fetus emerged under extraordinary circumstances.

Exploring the Present: Science, Culture, and Society

Slab City: A Haven for Outsiders: Venture into the unique world of Slab City, California, where squatters have created a self-sufficient community amidst the desert landscape.

Hitler’s Demise: Teeth Confirm 1945 Death: Put an end to the conspiracy theories surrounding Adolf Hitler’s fate. New analysis of his remaining teeth provides irrefutable evidence of his death in 1945.

Melting Glaciers Unveil Ancient Treasures: As glaciers recede due to climate change, they are revealing a wealth of cultural artifacts, offering a glimpse into Scandinavian history.

Art as Medicine: Prescribing Creativity in Britain: British doctors are embracing a revolutionary approach to healthcare, prescribing alternative therapies such as art, music, and dance to enhance patients’ well-being.

Unveiling a Complex Past: Native American Slaveholders and the Trail of Tears: Re-examine the Trail of Tears narrative through the lens of a new exhibit that sheds light on the intricate relationships between Native American and African-American communities.

Confronting Challenges: Health, Environment, and Social Issues

Engineering a Mosquito Solution: Scientists are deploying genetically engineered mosquitoes to combat disease-carrying populations, aiming to reduce the spread of illnesses like malaria and Zika.

The Burden of the Confederacy: Smithsonian’s investigative report exposes the staggering costs of Confederate monuments, which perpetuate a distorted view of history and glorify slavery.

Gary Tyler: Quilting as a Journey of Redemption and Resilience

Early Life and Wrongful Conviction

Gary Tyler’s life took a dramatic turn in 1974 when he was just 16 years old. Amidst racial tensions in St. Charles Parish, Louisiana, he and other Black students were attacked by an angry mob. In the chaos that ensued, a 13-year-old white boy was killed. Despite Tyler’s innocence, he was falsely accused and unjustly convicted of murder.

Life in Angola Prison

Tyler was sent to Angola, a maximum-security prison, where he spent over four decades behind bars. Despite the harsh conditions, he found solace in quilting, a skill he learned from his mother and grandmother. Volunteering in the prison’s hospice program, he helped raise funds by auctioning handmade quilts at local rodeos.

Quilting as a Form of Self-Expression

Quilting became Tyler’s outlet for self-expression and a way to connect with his past. His quilts often depicted scenes from his time in prison, including self-portraits and images of butterflies, plants, and birds. Through his art, Tyler sought to convey the resilience and hope he maintained amidst adversity.

Release and Solo Exhibition

In 2016, after years of advocacy and several failed appeals, Tyler was finally released from prison. With his newfound freedom, he embarked on a new chapter in his life, using his quilting skills to create his first solo exhibition, “We Are the Willing.”

“We Are the Willing” Exhibition

Held at the Library Street Collective in Detroit, “We Are the Willing” showcased Tyler’s journey of redemption and resilience. The exhibition featured quilted self-portraits from his time in prison, as well as vibrant quilts of butterflies and nature. Tyler’s art aimed to provoke thought, challenge perceptions, and inspire hope.

Symbolism of Butterflies

Butterflies became a recurring motif in Tyler’s quilts, symbolizing his transformation from the darkness of prison to the newfound freedom he experienced after his release. In one quilt, titled “Matriarch,” butterflies flutter above a large, vibrant flower, representing the beauty and resilience that can emerge from adversity.

Overcoming Injustice

Tyler’s exhibition also shed light on the injustices he faced. One self-portrait, “Captivity, 1974,” depicted the photo taken when he was first arrested at age 16. Other quilts showed him peeking out from behind bars and working with a friend who was also incarcerated. Through his art, Tyler hoped to raise awareness about the systemic racism and wrongful convictions that continue to plague our society.

Resilience and Hope

Despite the hardships he endured, Tyler remained optimistic and focused on the future. His quilts conveyed a message of resilience and hope, reminding viewers that even in the darkest of times, it is possible to maintain one’s principles and emerge with dignity.

Legacy and Impact

Gary Tyler’s quilts not only showcased his artistic talent but also served as a testament to the power of resilience and redemption. His exhibition inspired countless visitors and sparked important conversations about social justice and the human spirit. Tyler’s story and his art continue to inspire hope and challenge preconceptions, leaving a lasting legacy of perseverance and the transformative power of creativity.

Unveiling History, Exploring the Present, Confronting Challenges: Smithsonian’s Top Stories of 2018

Smithsonian’s Top Stories of 2018