In conjunction with the exhibition, Behrens will present a slide talk at the museum on Understanding Camouflage: Blending, Countershading, Mimicry and Dazzle, at 1:30 pm on Sunday, November 19. The talk, which is free and open to the public, is made possible by funding from Humanities Iowa.
Professor Behrens is internationally known for his publications, lectures and documentary film appearances on the historic connections between art, architecture and camouflage. Author of four books on the subject, he has appeared in programs on PBS on NOVA, National Public Radio, Australian Public Televison, BBC and other documentaries. In recent years, he has spoken at the Sydney College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design, the Smithsonian Institution, The Courtauld Institute in London, and the Royal Society of Arts. His blog has been described as "the most important online resource for anyone interested in the subject…"
His most recent book is Frank Lloyd Wright and Mason City: Architectural Heart of the Prairie (Charleston SC: History Press, 2016).
Leah Evans, THE COAT GIRL in The Boston Globe (January 14, 1921), p. 15—
“Frenchy,” said the Coat Girl to Jacques, the head waiter, “have you seen anything about this invisible paint they used in the late war?”
“Seen invisible painting, Ma’amzelle?” asked Jacques, puzzled.
“Frenchy,” said the Coat Girl, “as the English say, ‘are you spoofing me?’ Are you, at this late day and date, trying to pull a wheeze? No, I can see by the expression on your face you are innocent and stupid.
“But in the army, Frenchy, they discovered a paint they called camouflage, which makes things invisible. Frenchy, if I had some of that paint I could get rich in this man’s town, where there are a lot of guys tryin’ to camouflage friend wife, and so many Janes tryin’ a little camouflagin’ on their own hook.
“Just think of a guy havin’ a auto duster painted with that stuff! When he turned his gas buggy into a chicken trap and met friend wife, or one of the old lady cats from his neighborhood on the road, all he would have to do would be to pull down his camouflaged cap and skate by incognito, as it were.
“Then just think of the bootleggers!
“Then if one of these modern Othellos who wanted to give his girl the O.O. when she was on the front porch with some other guy! Blooie! Also whoops!!
“Frenchy, if that stuff ever gets on the market—good night.
“I can think of so many other things to say, I’m just goin’ to put on the emergency!”
