Nerves on Fire: World War II Pacific Paintings

World War II cast a long shadow. Virtually every family had a member who was carried by the wings of history over the oceans into worlds of danger, boredom, and mind-wrenching emotion, toward the prospect of maiming or death. To American children of the early 1940s, war was part of daily life—as it was for George Klauba. Today, as an artist, he looks back on that history. The work featured in Nerves on Fire is not standard imagery glorifying war; instead, it presents powerful and moving artwork reflecting scenes from World War II. In eighteen startling and empathetic paintings of the Pacific War, Klauba offers glimpses into the emotions of both sides—Allied and Japanese—as he captures the pathos and brutality of war as well as its valor and heroism. Nerves on Fire speaks to many generations, not just the ever-shrinking roster of World War II vets. Within it are lessons for all, including young people of today who live in a world beset by violence and wars around the globe.