University of Arkansas School of Architecture

“Masks of Reality” Seminar –  Spring 1994

This rendering was inspired by a still from the 1955 movie “The Night of the Hunter” starring Robert Mitchum.  This drawing attempts to unmask the implied alienation and despair of the children as perceived by the moviegoer in his/her detached position by thrusting the spectator into this scene to assume the dimension of a reality with all the accompanying disillusionment.  In the chosen scene the two young children, deeply ashamed by their father’s criminality, confront the playground.  Here they fully recognize their unfortunate status as outcasts in the small, isolated community, forever subject to cold-shoulder reception and incessant gossip.  The snooty little girl scowls at them with piercing ire.  This is not yet the era of the victim.  They know they should not cross that picket fence.  They know they can’t stay.