I have two choices …
Klaudii Eckert, “judyta i holofernes,” 2012, http://www.kedziorwmalinach.blogspot.com
One: I can wait until the artist responds to my comment on her blog. Two: I can write about it and complete the details as the response arrives.
And by now you know I have selected the second alternative. Although I still want to know more.
This is Holofernes portrayed as John Lennon. I have no reason to suspect that Judith is Yoko Ono. And i am not sure how Lennon transgressed so that he deserved to be decapitated. But maybe that’s the point: he did not deserve to be separated from his head anymore than he deserved to be shot down in the street by a delusional fan. Yet here he is, presiding over a still life with the iconic Warhol can of Cambpell’s soup and two watering cans – one red, one green.
I am lost on the symbolism. But the color makes up for it. Cheery and bright, in contrast to the dismal theme of Holofernes’ murder. Spring-like in contrast to death. And maybe that’s the point: that Holofernes death wasn’t all about the guts and gore, but about a new beginning and starting fresh.
Unless the hidden cryptic story for all the Beatles fans is …
- … after the elders came to her and said Hey Jude, Help!, Judith was on The Long and Winding Road to the camp and Holofernes’ tent.
- She heard him drunkenly promise “Can’t Buy Me Love but Whatever Gets You Thru the Night, Dear Mistress of Bethulia – We Can Work It Out.“
- Despite his sloppy promises, she knew they would never Come Together.
- So she said “Hello Goodbye“ before taking his head, then got a Ticket to Ride to Get Back to Bethulia.
- Where she could declare to the elders It’s been a Hard Day’s Night before posting the head on the city wall as a warning to the Assyrian army to Let It Be .
<sigh> That was exhausting and slightly painful.
yes, the title says my name is "Judith, to you." and it's as arrogant as it sounds. that's what happens when a giggley little girl is bestowed a heavy-weight name like Judith. but it's time to own my name. to be Shakespearean and wonder "What's in a name?" to learn about the artwork inspired by the name. to contemplate how a widow in a gleaming gown can decapitate a brute - and not muss her nails. join me in the bumpy ride through history and art and social change, all in the name of Judith.