The essence of Doc is still there, and while it is slightly disappointing that there’s no explicit Jewish representation in this version, casting Moreno in this clutch role is perfect. Having her share a scene with the new Anita (Ariana DeBose) and also sing the tune “Somewhere” (normally sung by Tony and Maria) is an absolute coup for this production. Doc’s drugstore, the neutral ground between the rival gangs the Jets and the Sharks, is now run by his widow, Valentina, played by 90-year-old Rita Moreno, the Puerto Rican actress who won the Oscar for the role of Anita in the 1961 film version. Doc, as a character, is still represented, he’s just dead. The biggest change, and one that may rankle Jewish audiences, is that Spielberg and “Angels in America” playwright Kushner, two Jewish titans of their craft making their third collaboration (with a fourth en route), have mostly eliminated Doc, the drugstore owner, the one Jewish character from the original, and the moral voice of righteousness and reason.īut hold on a minute, let me explain.
© 2021 Third Eye Tapestries.A still from ‘West Side Story’ by director Steven Spielberg.
Honestly I don’t know why I make this art, or what compels me to keep creating it it’s a mystery I intend to pursue for the rest of my life, and each image brings me closer to the Ultimate Truth.” -Android Jones, 2013
If I could distill into words exactly what motivates me to create the art that I make then it would not be worth making it. In my practice I have visited realms where the imagination ends, and the terrifying beauty of infinity unfolds over and over again. “I have seen things in this life that I am incapable of translating into words. Described as a digital alchemist, he is determined to alter the viewer’s perception, pushing the boundaries of the imagination through the use of innovative media forms.
Manipulating light and energy, Android Jones captures complex concepts while utilizing his formal background in the arts. Describing his work as Electro-Mineralism, Jones attributes his ability to create to the wonders of technology, crediting the planet’s resources for advancements in art production. A long time member of the Burning Man community, Android has traveled the world exhibiting his work and has contributed to events on 6 continents.Īt the center of Jones’ work is spirituality and altered states of consciousness. He participated in the Grateful Dead Fare Thee Well Tour and his work has been projected on the Sydney Opera House and the Empire State Building. He has become well known for his many layered, psychedelic works and live performances using a custom built digital set up. He now lives in his home town of Lyons, maintaining a large art studio in a repurposed barn.īest described as a “digital painter,” Jones has created an immense body of work. Android began his career as an Independent Artist in 2005. Jones interned at George Lucas’ Industrial Light and Magic and later founded Massive Black, an art development company based in LA. He attended the Ringling School of Art and Design in Sarasota FL, where he trained in traditional academic drawing/painting and animation. Lyons, Colorado born Independent Artist Android Jones began studying art at age 8.