Global peacemakers take spotlight in new exhibit
By T. Esperas
"Architects of Peace: Visions of Hope in Words and Images" is an exhibition of photographs by Michael Collopy displayed in the lobby of the Arts and Sciences Building. Approximately 40 photographs, which will be on display through June 6, are united by their dedication to humanity. The images of well-known figures, such as Mother Theresa and Cesar Chavez, facilitate the call to action and communication of the indispensable need for peace.
The images were first published in 2000 in a book of the same title. Collopy, a resident of Hayward, spent four years traveling around the U.S. in order to meet, connect, and photograph 75 spiritual leaders, politicians, artists, and activists. Each image on display is accompanied by biographical information and a portion of a personal essay written by the subject. Remarkably, the exhibition escapes fixation. Whether consumed by the visual image, or intrigued by the written contributions of each figure, the concept of peace lingers in viewers' minds and souls and invites them to revisit the images, stories, and theme of peace long after they have left the exhibition. "My greater hope is that this exhibition will lead to a dialogue," said Collopy.
Collopy is an outstanding portrait photographer of our time. Upon completing his B.A. at St. Mary's College in Moraga in 1982, he made the decision to pursue a career in photography, which was facilitated by the preeminent photographer Ansel Adams. Over the course of his career, he has befriended cultural figures such as Frank Sinatra and Mother Theresa. In 1996, Collopy released "Works of Love Are Works of Peace," a fifteen-year photographic documentary that profiled the work of Missionaries of Charity.
The inspiration for "Architects of Peace" came in 1996 when Collopy heard Marian Wright Edelman deliver a speech at the State of the World Forum in San Francisco. Edelman, founder and president of the Children's Defense Fund, asked her audience to think about the present state of the world and about the legacy we are going to leave behind for those to come.
The timeliness of the exhibition is paramount to the spiritual and educational intentions of Collopy, exhibition organizer Les DeWitt, and Santa Clara's Institute on Globalization. Collopy's portraits have become more profound and meaningful as war is waged in Iraq.
The exhibition was first displayed at Stanford University's Tressider Union and stirred debate over the inclusion of a portrait of Colin Powell. However, the image of Powell is absent from the current exhibit. Collopy felt that the inclusion of Powell's image was no longer appropriate for this exhibition.
On display are images of Nobel Peace Prize laureates the Dalai Lama, Nelson Mandela, and Jimmy Carter. The exhibition also features individuals whose accomplishments reflect the diverse expressions of peace. Among those on display are Maya Angelou, Robert Redford, and Alice Walker. Collopy said of the exhibition, "I don't want to be exclusive. We are all part of the human family and must look for the goodness of each person."
The traveling exhibition is the first project by the Fund for Peace Initiative, which is founded and directed by DeWitt. In addition, the College of Arts and Sciences, Bannan Center for Jesuit Education, and the Institution on Globalization are co-sponsors of the exhibit. The exhibit beautifully expresses Santa Clara's commitment to fostering competence, conscience, and compassion," said Don Dodson, Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, "The title of Michael Collopy's exhibit, 'Architects of Peace', reminds us that individual human beings like you and me can be 'architects' who create systems and structures for peace."
"Architects of Peace" is a profound reminder that peace is the responsibility of every member of the global community. Collopy's portraits invite viewers to join them in the construction and preservation of peace. According to Collopy, peace is "a sense of dialogue, communication, forgiveness, and tolerance. It is a sense of acceptance of others coexisting, to recognize we are a part of the same family."