Bockscar by Callie Parsons

Bockscar by Callie Parsons 

  

         Thick, coarse blackness is contrasted by a vivid sunny sky, telling the story of a world at war. Currently on display at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Massachusetts, Bockscar is an incredible piece about the effects of World War II. Bockscar is the name of the United States Air Force’s B-29 which dropped the second atomic bomb over Nagasaki, Japan on August 9, 1945. Artist Matthew Day Jackson has created a first-person view of Bockscar’s cockpit, creating the illusion of being inside the vessel. Made from burned wood, the blackness of the cockpit creates an eerie and striking contrast against the rich, bright colors of the sunset in front of it. The warm sky, made with Formica, creates a smooth background for the rough and jagged textures of the wood. Formica was often used to make airplane propellers during WWII and the burned wood is a representation of the pain and destruction caused by the bombings in Japan. The charred interior creates such intense blackness which was evident during WWII, while the bright, inviting sky is a reflection of the popular 19^th century painting style.  Jackson’s use of unconventional mediums helps to make this a distinctive piece. His use of the Formica is a beautiful way to incorporate materials used during WWII with burned wood which would have been a result of the bombings.

            When first viewing this piece, it caught my eye because of the incredible contrast of colors. However, upon reading the description, it held my interest. The materials and execution made me want to linger and see every little detail of the piece. The entire cockpit is black, making it easy to miss or overlook specific choices and nuances that Jackson decided to include. Though this piece was only made in 2010, it is sure to remain a beautiful piece of artwork about our world’s history.