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10/15/2007: "Lecture On Maya Lin’s Confluence Project"

(Submitted photo)

Dr. Susan Noyes Platt (Ph.D.) will speak at the San Juan Island Library on Maya Lin and the Confluence Project on Saturday October 20th at 6:00 PM. The presentation will features slides in a Powerpoint presentation.

World renowned artist Maya Lin, designer of the Vietnam Memorial, has been working in Washington State for five years on a special project. It began as one aspect of the bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis and Clark journey, but it has evolved into a conversation and intersection with the Native tribes living today along the Columbia River paired with a celebration of the detailed botanical and natural history aspects of Lewis and Clark's journals.



This lecture will include a discussion of Lin's other work, but will focus on the Confluence Project, particularly Cape Disappointment where Lin has created four different installations. Susan Platt has visited all of the sites of the Confluence Project, and will discuss the juxtaposition of their current appearance and Lin's plans.

Susan Noyes Platt received her in Art History from the University of Texas, Austin, and has taught extensively in America and abroad. Although Art History is Susan's main academic field, she has always placed art in an interdisciplinary setting, that includes history, politics, social issues, geography, mythology, environmental issues, and literature.

“The Confluence Project involves unprecedented interpretive artwork by artist Maya Lin. Confluence Project works, which may include both building and landscape designs as well as integrated artwork, are currently being installed at key confluences of the Columbia River and its tributaries. The Confluence Project—like Lewis and Clark's journey—is exploring possibilities for a better future.

Through place and art, the project's goal is to reflect a consciousness of the tremendous changes set in motion by the Corps of Discovery in the Northwest—on its native people and environment,” said a statement at the Confluence Project web site, www.confluenceproject.org.

The presentation at the library is co-sponsored by the Library, Humanities Washington and Friends of the San Juan Island Library, and is free of charge. All are welcome.