Carlos Aleman's Blog

Recent Dragons

Administrator — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 14:38:29 +0000

The Emperor’s Ecstatic Memory

Administrator — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 13:27:29 +0000

It was after I finished this piece that I began to think about the motion picture, 'Raise the Red Lantern.' I remember my guide in Beijing remarking that many Chinese, while appreciating the beauty of the film, felt uncomfortable with the subject matter and sad story. The film depicts a manipulative emperor and competing concubines, one with a innocent face and 'heart of a scorpion.' I'm sure there are many differing stories of this sort throughout the centuries. The old man in my painting perhaps represents someone kind and wise, remembering the one true love of his life, and the flowery tears of grief and joy.

Some Kiss We Want

Administrator — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 04:50:29 +0000

There is some kiss we want with
our whole lives, the touch of
spirit on the body. Seawater
begs the pearl to break its shell.

And the lily, how passionately
it needs some wild darling! At
night, I open the window and ask
the moon to come and press its
face against mine.

Breathe into me.
Close the language- door and
open the love window. The moon
won't use the door, only the window.
-Rumi
translated by Coleman Barks

Danny Chen

Administrator — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 14:28:50 +0000

The daily racial slurs, the literal casting of stones as he was pelted by fellow soldiers, forced to crawl long distances in the gravel --the beatings, the injuries, the humiliation and dehuminization. The words, 'gook' and 'chink.'

A nineteen year old gentle giant at six-four, Daniel Chen was an army private serving in Afghanistan when he took his life in 2011, unable to hide his soul from the spector of hate. During high school, he was described as someone who kept to himself, avoided confrontration and refused to press charges against those who committed transgressions against him. He joined the army in part to help support his parents who didn't speak English. His mother did not want him to enlist, and Chen himself had no idea how difficutlt it could be for an Asian in the US military. Who can explain to mother and father and community the unfathomable and senseless purveyor of grief, the darkness within men?

The drawing:
Taken from an army photograph of Chen dressed in a camaflouge uniform next to an American flag. Graphite on paper.