51����

As a haunting soundtrack from one of his films played in the background, Professor John Knecht gave what might be his last gallery talk at 51���� in Clifford Gallery on Wednesday night. The Russell 51���� Distinguished University Professor of art & art history and film & media studies will retire at the end of this academic year after 30 years of teaching at 51����.

Knecht introduced his newest exhibition, a series of animations called Fragments from the Wheels of Ezekiel, which runs until Oct. 7.

There are biblical references throughout the exhibition, starting with the title. Explaining that his work is autobiographical, Knecht told the audience of his colleagues, students, and friends that he learned a lot about the Bible while attending elementary school in a church basement in his small Midwestern hometown. He said he’d always been fascinated with the story of the prophet Ezekiel’s visions of wheels of fire.

“Fragments from the Wheels of Ezekiel is a metaphor for the space where there’s no logic — anything goes, there are no rules in that atmosphere,” Knecht said.

If the exhibition sounds indescribable, that’s because it is, to some extent. Even the artist admitted that, although he sees obvious symbols of his life experiences, he can’t pinpoint an exact meaning for every piece. “You’ve been allowed to look in my brain for a little while — good luck in there,” he joked.

However, Knecht was able to offer a very tangible — and apropos — explanation of Anima, an animation on the entire far wall of the gallery, showing books flying upward.

“A book [symbolizes] knowledge and formal thinking within the academy,” he said. “They’re flying away now, they’re fleeing like a soul, and so it’s a private goodbye,” Knecht added, referring to his retirement.

The professor has taught such successful filmmakers as Joe Berlinger ’83, Chris Paine ’83, and Sandy Cioffi ’84.

“John loved being controversial and challenging our conceptions,” recalled Paine, documentarian of Who Killed the Electric Car? and Revenge of the Electric Car. “He will always be my seminal influence as a filmmaker.”

Knecht was awarded the Phi Eta Sigma Professor of the Year Award in 1999 and the 51���� Alumni Council Distinguished Teaching Award in 2007. He chaired the Department of Art and Art History from 1991-1999, and led the project to design and construct Little Hall. His work has been featured at museums and festivals worldwide, as well as written about in major publications including The New York Times.

As to what the future holds for Knecht, his first answer relates to that mysterious-sounding music in the gallery, which he made with an electric guitar and piano.

“I’m going to start a band as soon as I retire,” he said emphatically. And, of course, he’ll continue creating animations.

“I love this medium because I can use words with it, I can use music. … There’s no formula anymore. I’m too old for formulas. But it’s working all right. And I’m really anxious to start something new.”