The Park at Sea
The Park, at Sea: Songs for San Diego considers the spectrum of patriotism and the brush between civilian and military life in the city of San Diego by reflecting on the Naval history of Balboa Park, and the Museum itself. In 1943 during World War 2 the Museum was requisitioned for military use along with the other cultural facilities in Balboa Park. The United States Navy converted the Museum into a hospital housing 423 beds, X-ray facilities, and a surgical suite.
What is the rapport between a museum and a vessel of war? To address this question, this performance re-appropriates the sites of the SDMA in a collaboration with veterans who have served in various moments of San Diego’s military history. Joe Yorty, a contemporary artist who served in the Navy for over ten years, stands watch in his Navy whites over maritime paintings from the Museum’s collection—iconic representations of a nautical history and culture. In a dual act of standing watch, museum guards simultaneously monitor the artworks on display. The Thursday Songsters, a local veteran barbershop ensemble, weave a story of remembrance through song. Gene Rague, the group’s director, who was stationed in Balboa Park during WWII for his Hospital Corpsman Training, leads the ensemble in performance of old-time standard melodies, and remembering the SDMA’s history.
Next project: → Quake / Temblor
Previous project: ← Bus Parts
