This semester I am taking a class called The Christian Imagination. We have been thinking about a theology of art. As a result of the class I have gained a new appreciation for art. One memorable art piece we looked at was Simon Rodia’s Spires of Watts.
Rodia’s art is so amazing because he just built the spires later in life, he fininished when he was 75. It took him 33 years. He created the spires with recycled stuff.
It was a piece of art that is misunderstood.
Around 1954, Rodia had had enough of Watts. Lack of respect and misunderstanding led to vandalism of his Towers. His construction was, in the politically and racially charged 1930s and ‘40s, viewed with suspicion. During World War II, rumors spread that Rodia’s towers transmitted secrets to the Japanese. Later on, it was feared they were relaying secrets to the Communists. What had begun as an inspired vision became, for Rodia, a burden. He deeded his property to his neighbor, Louis H. Saucedo, and disappeared.
He built the spires and walked away from it. He said he was going away to die. He gave his home to a neighbor and was never seen again.
One child that grew up in his neighborhood was inspired to create art as well. Betye Saar also became an artist later in life. She is most famous for a piece called The Liberation of Aunt Jemimah. She was featured on NPR. It was cool to listen to how Rodia, an Italian immigrant inspired her to create art.
Wandering Thoughts 2 