Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Where the Missiles are Hidden |
Artist |
Riffle, David |
Medium |
mixed media on paper |
Date |
1987 |
Description |
David Riffle's inspiration comes from his surroundings in West Virginia. His paintings, drawings and three-dimensional constructions invite the viewer to enter his world. His recurring images -- twisting vines, mountains, catfish, water, 1960s mobile home, and Great Blue Heron -- appear in a fantasy environment. In his unique sense of place, Riffle's trailer represents solitude and a safe haven from a disoriented and menacing world. Born in Gassaway, West Virginia in 1947, Riffle shared the disdain for conformity, materialism and political convention that emerged in America in the 1960s. After his return home from the Vietnam War, Riffle attended West Virginia State College . Upon receiving his degree in 1975, Riffle purchased a 60-foot trailer which in Poca, West Virginia. For 25 years, his trailer and the environment along the Poca River provided the basic imagery for his art. In his drawing, "Where the Missiles are Hidden" Riffle makes a statement about President Reagn's missile defense program. A missile emerges from Riffle's trailer, ready to launch at a target. Riffle penned a verse to accompany the drawing: "I think the missiles are hidden In trailer parks abound. When they want to fool the Russians, They move the trailers around. From trailer court to trailer court It is so plain, you see, It makes it hard to pick them out. The satellite photos agree. They offered me a missile For my trailer, I said, sure, I'd love to have an MX or a cruiser, It would help me feel secure. I told them I'd even buff it, Keep it shiny and clean, It will be my sex symbol, So very big and mean." |
Collection |
Permanent Collection |
Dimensions |
H-17.5 W-20 inches |
Credit line |
2005 Gift of Dr. Joseph T. & Regina Y.W. Skaggs |