We Are Still Watching

Art and Poetry by Louise Cutler

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”
George Santayana

“One is astonished in the study of history at the recurrence of the idea that evil must be forgotten, distorted, skimmed over. We must not remember that Daniel Webster got drunk but only that he was a splendid constitutional lawyer. We must forget that George Washington was a slave owner, and simply remember the things we regard as creditable and inspiring. The difficulty, of course, with this philosophy is that history loses its value as an incentive and example; it paints perfect man and noble nations, but it does not tell the truth.” – W.E.B. Dubois

The Art Exhibit We Are Still Watching makes us look at our past through the eyes of those who have gone before. Our forefathers: King, Malcolm, Harriet, Rosa, among others had their faith to guide, strengthen, and direct them. They held onto the hope that things would get better for their children and future generations of blacks.

These faithful men and women paved the way for us and others. What they looked forward to n faith–Freedom, justice, and equality—we look back to, having seen some of the fulfillment of their work and progress.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  – Hebrews 12:1

This passage speaks about the great cloud of witnesses found in Hebrews 11, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the rest of the Old Testament believers who looked forward with faith to the coming of the Messiah. These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar, were persuaded by them, embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.

This exhibit is not just for people of the African diaspora but for all who have fought and are still fighting against injustice and freedom.

We Are Still Watching allows us to reflect on our past, examine our history and change the world around us. It reminds us that we have hope in something greater than ourselves.

About the Artist

Louise Cutler is a Fort Collins-based Creationist, artist, writer, and sculptor. She was chosen by Art Business News magazine as one of America’s Top Emerging Artists. Ms. Cutler believes that in order to understand our humanity, we must first look outside of the self and into the eyes and struggles of others, only then will we find our true purpose. Louise has been an artist for over 20 years. She has won awards and has received grants for her work, and has exhibited work throughout the United States and Canada.