The oft-used phrase, “History repeats itself,” was the basis of Mark Twain’s perspective when he said, “History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.”

Together with images from the Feb. 24, 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Michael Culver creates the photo-collage “Rhyming History” uses art history and images of World War II to illustrate that rhyming.

Art references in the work include: Pablo Picasso’s 1939 “Guernica,” perhaps the most iconic painting of war; the 1638 Peter Paul Rubens painting “The Consequences of War;” Francisco Goya’s “Third of May,” 1808; a war scene from a pre-history cave wall paintings; Michelangelo’s 1501 sculpture “David;” the Ukrainian stamp created by Borys Grokh, illustrating the Ukrainian solider on Snake Island giving the finger to the Russian ship that demanded their surrender; a 1717 portrait of Peter the Great by Jean-Marc Nattier; and the statue of Saint Michael the Archangel, patron saint of Kyiv.

References to WWII include images of: Winston Churchill; the London Blitz; the London underground providing safety from the Blitz; a London building set afire by the German Blitz; a photo of Adolph Hitler; and bombs dropping from WWII planes.

This topical exhibition at Mathias Fine Art, “Blue and Yellow: Persist” includes vibrant collages, paintings, works on paper, mixed media pieces and sculptures. Included artists: Max Bartsch, Brenda Bettinson, Kimberly Callas, Michael Culver, Paul Feyling, Patt Franklin, Brigitte Keller, John Lorence, Kate Marohn, Antoinette Prien Schultze and Lesia Sochor. 

“Blue and Yellow: Persist” runs through Oct. 2. This exhibition is intended as a gesture of solidarity with Ukraine, its artists and culture. It is also a means to raise funds for two humanitarian organizations that are involved in helping Ukrainian refugees: Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (www.unwla.org) and Women for Women International  (www.womenforwomen.org) through the raffling of a “Blue on Yellow,” a framed original watercolor on paper by “Smith”  Tickets are $15 each or $35 for three tickets; or just make a donation. 

The gallery is located at 10 Mathias Drive in Trevett. Gallery hours are Wednesday through Sunday noon to 5 p.m. and by appointment. For more information visit https://www.mathiasfineart.com or call 633-7404.