Imagine a treasure chest buried under years of societal neglect and misunderstanding, only to be unearthed to reveal splashes of vibrant creativity. Meet Edith Lake Wilkinson, an incredibly talented but largely unknown American artist whose life and work were cloaked in mystery until recently. Edith was a gifted painter active in the early 20th century, yet her vibrant paintings ended up packed in a trunk, hidden away after she was institutionalized in a mental asylum in 1924. This happened in Provincetown, Massachusetts, where she was part of a bustling art scene. Ridiculously, her story is a reflection of the harsh injustices faced by many women and LGBTQ+ individuals who found themselves the victims of societal norms and antiquated psychiatric practices.
Edith was born in West Virginia in 1868 and attended the prestigious Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. At a time when female artists were largely marginalized, Edith managed to flourish as an enthusiastic member of the thriving art community in Provincetown. Her life took a dark turn when she was inexplicably committed to the Sheppard Pratt Hospital in Baltimore. Society, particularly in earlier times, often confined those who deviated from its rigid expectations. Many speculate that Edith’s sexuality might have been a factor, as evidence suggests she shared a significant, intimate relationship with her companion Fannie.
The guardian appointed to manage her estate did away with most of her personal letter and writings, erasing large portions of her existence. Yet the vibrant colors in her paintings survived her, hiding away for decades until they were rediscovered by Jane Anderson, Edith’s niece. Jane, who had heard of her great-aunt's art and tragic fate, was instrumental in unearthing her story and advocating for her place in the art world.
“Packed in a Trunk: The Lost Art of Edith Lake Wilkinson” is an engaging documentary that navigates through Edith’s neglected history with both empathy and determination, ensuring her art receives the attention it deserves. It’s about more than just art; it’s a poignant tale of re-discovery, identity, and acceptance.
The film dives into Edith’s work, showcasing the brilliance evident in her canvases—harbor scenes, landscapes, and glimmers of early avant-garde influences depict a mind far ahead of its time. Her color palette and style have drawn comparisons to other famous artists, yet her name remained unsung until Jane began her passionate campaign for recognition.
The story of Edith Lake Wilkinson is also a lens through which one can examine the systemic problems artists like her faced. During the early 1900s, institutionalization was a weapon used against those who didn't conform—the LGBTQ+ individuals, women who wished for more autonomy, or people grappling with mental health issues. Edith’s story is a stark reminder of how society had—and, in some cases, still has—a long way to go regarding empathy and acceptance.
When looking at opposing viewpoints, some might argue the progression of women and LGBTQ+ individuals in the art world has improved significantly since Edith's time. While it’s true that strides have been made, the industry still grapples with gender-based pay gaps and discrimination. The narrative of Edith Lake Wilkinson challenges us not to become complacent with the progress but to continuously strive to dismantle remaining barriers.
The rediscovery of her paintings and their subsequent exhibitions place Edith within the rightful context of art history. They also shed light on Edmond S. Wilkinson Jr., the man who led to Edith’s institutionalization. As the guardian of her estate, his decisions to sell off her works and eventually pack them away offer a lesson in recognizing the harm casual patriarchal controls can wield.
“Packed in a Trunk” does more than highlight lost art; it underscores the significance of reclaiming voices muted for too long by oppressive societal structures. Today, it prompts discussions on mental health, art’s political dimensions, and the necessity to right the wrongs done in the name of 'normalcy'.
The resurgence of Edith’s art has finally given her the platform she deserves, allowing us to appreciate her life’s work and peer into the mind of an artist who was unjustly side-lined by the biases of her time. This tale encourages advocating for all artists to be seen and heard in the colorful tapestry of cultural identity.
Through the lens of Edith Wilkinson’s experiences, we find echoes in today’s political climate, where voices striving for recognition continue to face challenges. Each flourish of paint on her canvases serves as an emblem of courage and endurance, inviting a new generation to learn from past errors and celebrate diversity in all its forms.