Looking to the East: An Analysis of Pasaquan
Primary Faculty Mentor’s Name
Dr. Barbara Johnston
Proposal Track
Student
Session Format
Paper Presentation
Abstract
Down the back roads of Buena Vista, Georgia sits an outsider art site dedicated to non-Western cultures. The artist St. EOM, Eddie Owens Martin, believed that these ancient cultures were the correct ones to follow because they were the ones that aligned with nature. In my research, I focus on three distinct cultures that inspired Pasaquan’s creation: India, South America, and Africa. The influence from India can be seen through the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism in the statues featuring a yakshi, a maithuna couple, and yogis. While these works depict figures, the pieces that are of South American influence illustrate patterns and specific symbols from those various cultures. For example, an entire wall depicts symbols from the Inca and Mayan civilizations. An adjacent wall shows figural depictions, however these are of appropriated African warriors and sculptures on these walls shows an interest in Congolese power figures. There is also evidence within his works on paper to suggest research of his own on all of these cultures and an interest in their art. Combined, these elements conjure an image on the non-Western world, seen through St. EOM’s eyes.
Keywords
St. EOM, Pasaquan, Folk art, Site, Indian, African, South american, Art history, Georgia
Award Consideration
1
Location
Room 2905
Presentation Year
2014
Start Date
11-15-2014 11:05 AM
End Date
11-15-2014 12:05 PM
Publication Type and Release Option
Presentation (Open Access)
Recommended Citation
Cantrell, Victoria L., "Looking to the East: An Analysis of Pasaquan" (2014). Georgia Undergraduate Research Conference (2014-2015). 70.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gurc/2014/2014/70
Looking to the East: An Analysis of Pasaquan
Room 2905
Down the back roads of Buena Vista, Georgia sits an outsider art site dedicated to non-Western cultures. The artist St. EOM, Eddie Owens Martin, believed that these ancient cultures were the correct ones to follow because they were the ones that aligned with nature. In my research, I focus on three distinct cultures that inspired Pasaquan’s creation: India, South America, and Africa. The influence from India can be seen through the religions of Buddhism and Hinduism in the statues featuring a yakshi, a maithuna couple, and yogis. While these works depict figures, the pieces that are of South American influence illustrate patterns and specific symbols from those various cultures. For example, an entire wall depicts symbols from the Inca and Mayan civilizations. An adjacent wall shows figural depictions, however these are of appropriated African warriors and sculptures on these walls shows an interest in Congolese power figures. There is also evidence within his works on paper to suggest research of his own on all of these cultures and an interest in their art. Combined, these elements conjure an image on the non-Western world, seen through St. EOM’s eyes.
