The Ghostwriter, Year 1500 - from Cheryl Penn

[Marie Wintzer]

 

I think I got it now. One of the reasons why Cheryl is such an outstanding artist is because she is also a very good storyteller. Almost anything will sparkle her imagination, and her ability to create new stories knows no borders.
But just like her books are not "orthodox" books, her stories aren't either.

 

 

We got acquainted with the Ghostwriter a few weeks ago, and we know it is loosely inspired by the film The Ghost Writer (Roman Polanski), but this is where all linearity ends. Ghostwriter 3 had us following Ernest (I think he had several other names) and his computer, on the verge of unveiling a mysterious secret of high importance.
Ghostwriter 4 on the other hand takes us back to the year 1500, and breathes an air of Historical Saga.

 

 

History and Art have always been closely related. It is no wonder Cheryl found inspiration in Historical Figures, Artists, Poets. Having the Ghostwriter follow the trail of Mary Stuart and Albrecht Dürer, while TS Eliot tickles Michelangelo's brain making him sneeze, how deliciously twisted a detective story is that?
The choice of media always plays an important role in the way we perceive a piece of art and I am sure Cheryl worked on this one a lot. The layered prints came out strikingly resembling a fresco, with some parts visible, some parts erased and others being restored. Superbly done.

 

 

The non linearity of the plot continues on the next card which, although it doesn't mention being part of the series, clearly is. We are back in Ernest's office, year 2011. But this time there is an additional element. Lydia. An indication that the story is also a story of love. The card is very neatly stitched on one side, but the thread seems to have gone bonkers on the other side. Probably the Heated Heart's fault. And this is another element in Cheryl's art. Connections and references from piece to piece.

 

 

Lies Within and Text in Knots. Text in Knots and The Ghostwriter. The Ghostwriter and The Heated Heart. The Heated Heart and TS Eliot. TS Eliot and Ether. And I could go on, and this is only looking at it in a one dimensional way. I think we ought to see more of the Ghostwriter's adventures. For once I really don't care about the ending, if there even is any. All I want is to get helplessly lost in the plot.

 

[Marie Wintzer]

Oh, you're right, it's actually asemic. I didn't notice. I was too absorbed by the difference in stitching between both sides of the card.

[De Villo Sloan]

Cheryl's vispo narratives are really interesting,

[Marie Wintzer]

Did you notice I don't bother tidying up the table anymore? ;-)

[Marie Wintzer]

Well, I'll let the wars and kisses and make ups go on somewhere else.

The Bhubesi Women! I had forgotten about them but it's true that they are always around. It's always great fun to blog your art. While you were away I checked out your collection of books on the website, wow, there really isn't anything close to it in the whole world. 

[cheryl penn]

I am SO LUCKY to get blogged by you Marie - in fact, I think I will use this in a lecture I have to give on Wednesday morning :-) - YAY  - I have CONTENT :-))). I think a lot of this is the Bhubesi Women's fault too - they have reactivated the time machine. This means I can be wherever and everywhere all at once - its FAB.  To delve into the realm of visuals  and narrative - its one of life's greatest escapes.  To be blogged by you - that is one of life's privileges - thank you Sweet Pea :-) XX

P.S.

Maybe you know who can come and see me here and discuss you know what as I am HERE instead of you know where ;-) XXX

[Marie Wintzer]

Oh hi Theo! I think so too...

[Theo Nelson]

Awesome indeed!