Death by Lethal Injection, 1984. Gouache and watercolor on paper
Both international and national problems are dealt with in this modest but powerful show of 14 recent paintings by seven artists who work in the metropolitan area. Issues include the Vietnam War, capital punishment, weapons testing, totalitarianism, torture, homelessness and games of violence.
Sue Coe uses a crisper and more graphic style to depict her reactions to Government weapons testing on animals (a Boschlike accumulation of actions and distortions) and to capital punishment by lethal injection. Ghoulish spectators and a weird, fanged fantasy creature in the foreground draw the viewer into the unnerving mood.