Through the Eyes of The Observer: Gennie de Lange’s War Poems and Art

War is a universal tragedy that touches every corner of the world. It shapes lives, impacts families, and leaves scars that last for generations. But what happens when an artist, through their unique lens, brings the horrors of war to life? That’s where Gennie de Lange’s powerful work comes in. Her book, We Will Never Forget, is a haunting yet beautiful collection of war-themed poetry and ceramic art that sheds light on the devastation caused by conflict, while offering a glimpse of hope through resilience.

In this article, we’ll explore Gennie de Lange’s creative process, her personal journey, and how her innovative blend of visual art and poetry captures the emotional depth of war through the eyes of “The Observer”—a unique symbol within her work.

The Art of War: Gennie de Lange’s Inspiration

Gennie de Lange, born in 1942 in New Zealand, is no stranger to the impact of war. Growing up in a house surrounded by the haunting stories of war told by her father, a WWII veteran, Gennie developed a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological toll that conflict takes on individuals. Her father, a leader of a New Zealand dive bomber squadron, shared tales of camaraderie, sacrifice, and the deep fear of death. It was these stories that first sparked Gennie’s interest in the history and emotional landscape of war.

Her book, We Will Never Forget, is a poignant reflection of these themes. The collection contains fifty short poems, each exploring different aspects of the devastation wrought by war. What makes these poems so striking is the way Gennie combines them with her original ceramic paintings, transforming each piece into a visual and poetic tribute to the soldiers, families, and communities affected by conflict.

The war-themed poems in We Will Never Forget cover everything from the personal toll of war, including the pain of separation and loss, to the broader societal impact. The vivid imagery of war and its aftermath is heightened by Gennie’s artwork, which uses vibrant colors to depict the raw emotions captured in her poems. These illustrations are not just representations; they are emotional landscapes that amplify the meaning behind the words.

The Role of "The Observer" in Gennie de Lange’s Work

One of the most striking elements in Gennie de Lange’s book is the recurring figure of “The Observer.” This is a worn, antique velvet toy that has been part of Gennie’s life for decades. It was a gift to her father when he graduated from medical school in the 1920s. Over time, the toy became a silent witness to human experience, especially during the darkest moments of history.

In Gennie’s artwork, The Observer is placed amidst scenes of war and devastation, offering a contrast to the violence and chaos. This antique toy, often placed in various war settings, symbolizes innocence and the idea of a silent witness to the suffering and resilience of humanity. The toy’s presence in Gennie’s work reflects the innocence of children, their ability to understand the world in unique ways, and their role as silent observers of adult struggles.

The Observer is more than just a toy; it is a symbol of hope. Despite the dark and emotional themes in Gennie’s poetry and art, The Observer remains a constant figure of watchfulness, offering a sense of continuity and the possibility of healing. Through this lens, Gennie invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and how they, too, might witness and process the painful moments of history and life.

The Emotional Impact of Gennie’s War Poems

Gennie de Lange’s poetry is short, but its impact is immense. Each poem, often no longer than a few lines, captures the emotional weight of war, loss, and resilience. The poems are not just about the battles fought between nations, but about the emotional battles fought within the hearts of individuals affected by war. The themes of separation, pain, and survival run through the collection, drawing readers into the emotional world of war-torn families and communities.

In one poem, Gennie explores the devastation of a family torn apart by conflict:

“In the quiet of the night, a mother weeps,

For the child she lost, for the life she keeps,

War steals what the heart cannot mend,

And families are torn without an end.”

These words are stark and real, painting a vivid picture of the emotional cost of war. The brevity of the poems makes them even more powerful, as each word is carefully chosen to elicit a specific emotion. The poems serve as a testament to the enduring pain caused by war, while also highlighting the strength and determination of those who survive.

Each poem is paired with one of Gennie’s ceramic paintings, which visually represents the emotion behind the words. The ceramic paintings feature vibrant colors and intricate designs, often incorporating images of The Observer. These pieces are not just illustrations; they are emotional landscapes that complement the poems, reinforcing the themes of loss, hope, and the long-lasting effects of war.

The Artistic Process: Gennie’s Ceramic Paintings

Gennie’s background as a ceramic artist plays a crucial role in the creation of her book. Her ceramic paintings, which have been exhibited in galleries across the world, provide a unique and deeply personal touch to the poetry in We Will Never Forget. Gennie’s work with ceramics is not just about creating visually appealing artwork; it’s about conveying emotions and telling stories through her art.

Each ceramic painting begins as a blank tile. Gennie applies glazes in varying shades of grey, which are then fired in a kiln at high temperatures. The result is a vibrant and intricate piece of art that often looks like stained glass. The process is risky—Gennie never knows exactly how the piece will turn out until it comes out of the kiln. This sense of uncertainty mirrors the unpredictability of life during war, where nothing is certain and everything is subject to change.

The ceramic tiles that accompany the poems in Gennie’s book are more than just visual representations; they are an integral part of the emotional experience of the work. The imagery in the tiles echoes the themes of the poems, enhancing the reader’s connection to the subject matter. Whether it’s the soft lines of a child’s toy or the harsh edges of war-torn landscapes, Gennie’s art invites readers to feel the emotions behind each word and image.

The Global Impact of Gennie’s Work

While Gennie’s personal experiences with war shaped her work, she has also drawn inspiration from the ongoing conflicts in the world today. We Will Never Forget touches upon the current war in Ukraine, with the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag present on the book’s cover and in some of the artwork. Gennie’s dedication to supporting the people of Ukraine is evident in her decision to donate the proceeds from the book’s sales to a family orphanage in Ukraine that helps children separated from their parents due to the war.

This act of compassion underscores the universal message of Gennie’s work—that the impact of war is felt across generations and borders, and that it is our collective responsibility to remember and help those who suffer. Through her art and poetry, Gennie de Lange reminds us that the pain of war is never forgotten, but neither is the potential for healing, rebuilding, and hope.

Conclusion

Through her poetry, ceramic art, and the figure of The Observer, Gennie de Lange has created a powerful tribute to the victims of war. Her work is not just a reflection of the past; it is a call to remember and a reminder that even in the darkest times, there is always a chance for hope, healing, and resilience. Gennie’s We Will Never Forget is a poignant exploration of war’s impact on the human soul, and through The Observer, she invites us to reflect on our role as witnesses to history and the stories of those who live through it.

As we look at Gennie de Lange’s art and read her words, we are reminded of the importance of remembering the past, acknowledging the suffering of others, and striving to build a better future for all. Through the eyes of The Observer, Gennie de Lange’s work speaks to the power of art to heal, to connect, and to inspire.