Shangri-La Surrealistic Exhibit for Don Karr

8 = 3: JOY IS SORROW - The figure is shown enclosed in a burial box with only the top of his head showing. He is in the chamber of binah (divine understanding) surrounded by three deities whose functions in the current universe are unknown. To the right sits Maat (Egyptian goddess of justice), feather on her knee, waiting. This is the first in a four part series of paintings

The opening reception for this show is from 5 to 9 PM, at Shangri-La Gifts and Publications, 156 E. State Street (The Commons), 6 August 2004. Exhibit is open daily through August and September.

9 = 2: CHANGE IS STABILITY - Three goddesses attend: the goddess of hokhmah (divine wisdom) (light green: wisdom, roughly, SOPHIA) covers the reclined figure's physical eyes while pressing his third eye. The goddess of binah (red: divine understanding, ISIS) attest to the security of the lid of the enclosure. The goddess of da'at (dark green: divine knowledge, Maat) is shown, looking out into the world of which she is soon to assume control.

Don Karr has a BFA (1974) Rhode Island School of Design and an MFA (1976) Cornell University. Don taught Painting at CSMA from 1980 to 2002, and Drawing at Hobart and William Smith 1998-9. Don was a regular contributor of illustrations to The Bookpress: The Newspaper of the Literary Arts, 1998 to 2003.

THE NINE POSTURES, or THE POSTURES OF MAATIAN FREEMASONRY - The canvas is divided into nine squares, which correspond to the sefiroth (divine potencies, according to the kabbalists) hokhmah through yesod. (divine foundation) Postures symbolic of five of those sefiroth are shown: hesed (divine loving kindness) through hod (divine splendor).

UNION WITH MAAT, showing OCCULT ANATOMY - The larger figure into which the smaller one is merges is Maat, shekhinah (the divine presence), or nukva (the daughter). The OCCULT ANATOMY shown is that of THE FOUR SERPENTS (red, green, yellow, and black), which are the four paths to union. This painting summarizes the whole process of attempting to gain access to the goddess(es) of the present and future aeons.

MANIPULATIONS TO INDUCE RESURRECTION SERIES

MANIPULATIONS TO INDUCE RESURRECTION 2 (white)

MANIPULATIONS TO INDUCE RESURRECTION 1 (red) - After the ordeals of the three punishments, the three goddesses attempt to resurrect the aspirant with utterances and manipulations.

MANIPULATIONS TO INDUCE RESURRECTION 2 (white) - Given that the first process only partially succeeded (Manipulations 1), the goddesses attempt once more to resurrect the aspirant with flute, which he hates, and Hammond organ, which he loves.

On the Internet, Don has bibliographic essays at Hermetic Kabbalah and reviews and transcriptions at Esoterica: The Journal. Both of these sites show paintings—many of those included in the current show, although the reproductions in Don’s on-line exhibition at Esoterica, done from slides, are not accurate.

Don is perhaps best known locally in Ithaca, NY for his vocal and organ work with such bands as The Monks of Funk (there’s a recent CD), Gas and the Ool, The Usual Suspects, Deek and the Dactyls, The Hep Cats, Moxie, and Straight Face.

RABBI SAMUEL JACOB HAYYIM FALK (the Ba’al Shem of London) INSTRUCTING EMANUEL SWEDENBORG IN KABBALISTIC VISIONARY METHOD

RABBI SAMUEL JACOB HAYYIM FALK

RABBI SAMUEL JACOB HAYYIM FALK (the Ba’al Shem of London) INSTRUCTING EMANUEL SWEDENBORG IN KABBALISTIC VISIONARY METHOD - Hayyim Falk was among the few rabbis willing to teach kabbalistic method to Christians. Among Falk’s Christian students were Emanuel Swedenborg and Alessandro Cagliostro, noted 18th century figures. In the picture, Falk is teaching Swedenborg a kabbalistic method involving letter combinations and corresponding intonations. It is speculated that it was through these kabbalistic methods that Swedenborg induced his visions of heaven.

PUNISHMENTS OF THE FAILED MESSIAHS SERIES

PUNISHMENTS OF THE FAILED MESSIAHS 1 - Given the aspirant’s hesitation at creating a new universe (0 = 2)—perhaps indecision from too many options—he is deemed “a failed messiah.” Therefore, he is compelled to undergo a series of punishments. The first involves undergoing a tedious number of visionary journeys through the seven heavens, or palaces (hekhalot). The first goddess’s foot enforces the ordeal.

PUNISHMENTS OF THE FAILED MESSIAHS 2 - The second punishment shows the second goddess consuming the aspirant. The ordeal is the sustained threat of obliteration.

PUNISHMENTS OF THE FAILED MESSIAHS 3 - For the third punishment, the third goddess has bound the aspirant and hung him in a chamber. Perversely, the goddess has set up a radio, which plays ghastly and despicable music. Ironically, this image was chosen as the cover of a CD, The Monks of Funk (Ithaca: FingerLakes Recording, Spring 2004), which features the songs and singing of the current artist.

Don Karr Exhibit at Shangri-La on The Commons, Ithaca NY
July 30—September 4, 2004
Don Karr, a graduate of Cornell University, is a well-known artist and linguist living in Ithaca, NY. Don is also well known for his scholarly researches in the study of Kabbalah.

Click HERE to view other amazing art at Shangri-La, located at 156 East State Street, on The Commons, Ithaca, NY. Open daily from Noon to 6 PM. For more details call 607-272-6156, or 570-395-3423.