THE DOCTOR IS OUT

AZG Armenian Daily
08/10/2008

Diaspora

Dr. Jack Kevorkian Presents Paintings and Political Platform at
Boston-Area Museum

Watertown, MA–While Jack Kevorkian may be best known for serving eight
years in prison for his controversial death with dignity practices,
the former pathologist is also a musician, composer and artist whose
paintings, unsurprisingly, explore some of the darker aspects of human
nature. Following his recent release from prison, Dr. Kevorkian will
visit the Armenian Library and Museum of America (ALMA) in Watertown,
Mass. from 3 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 5 to mark the opening of
"THE DOCTOR IS OUT: The Art of Dr. Jack Kevorkian." The exhibit,
which features 16 of Kevorkian’s dramatic creations, will also give
the artist and social activist a stage to discuss the inspiration
behind his paintings and his independent campaign for U.S. Congress.

Born in 1928 in Pontiac, Michigan to survivors of the Armenian
Genocide, Kevorkian moved to California in 1976, where he worked
as a pathologist and found time to explore his keen interest in
art. His finished paintings, among other personal possessions, were
eventually stolen from the California storage facility that he placed
them in. Discouraged, but not one to give up, Kevorkian began painting
again in 1993. He successfully recreated some of the 18 pieces of his
stolen art, which he later donated to ALMA prior to his incarceration.

As author Michael Betzold describes in his book, Appointment
with Doctor Death, "Kevorkian’s art is as bold and strident, as
critical and unforgiving, as pointed and dramatic as Kevorkian’s own
fighting words." He continues that Kevorkian’s works "are strikingly
well-executed, stark and surreal –and frightening, demented and/or
hilarious, depending on one’s point of view."

Kevorkian refers to his paintings as "pictorial philosophy" social,
political and medical commentaries that should provoke thought
and discussion on aspects of life that may be disagreeable but
are universal. "It is not for art’s sake, so do not criticize me
for the art," says Kevorkian. "The paintings are often political
commentaries. I use bright colors to get people’s attention and to
try to make them think."

The OPEN HOUSE WITH DOCTOR JACK KEVORKIAN will take place from 3
to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 5 at ALMA’s Bedoukian Hall. (Regular
admission applies.) The exhibit will be on display through December 5,
2008. This is the second exhibit of Kevorkian’s paintings at ALMA. The
first one was held in 1999, following the donation of the art to the
museum. At the time, Kevorkian did not attend the exhibit since he
was awaiting trial in Michigan.

For more information about ALMA and for the schedule of events and
exhibits please visit, or call (617) 926-2562.