Cairo girl meets Dr. Art Nuko the American Ambassador to open the American Poster Show downstairs. Then Mr. Salmawy, Under Secretary of State for Foreign Cultural Relations, cuts the ribbon to open the ART NUKO Show in Cairo and we lead the mass of guests up into World War III. We start in Hiroshima and Nagasaki, confronted by the destruction and anguish. We then travel on to Tokyo, Bangkok and Pakistan. The kids gather in despair at Disneyland. In front of the White House I look for the American Ambassador but he has not come up the stairs. Later we will learn he refused to see the show in a deliberate snub of ART NUKO. Can it be that those whose announced policy it is to use nuclear weapons first refuse to look at what those policies would ultimately mean? In front of Red Square, Ambassador Nukeau pauses to describe to the Under Secretary the outcome of Winning the Arms Race. From behind, a short, white- haired gentleman tugs at my elbow. In front of the White House I look for the American Ambassador but later learn he refused to see the show in a deliberate snub of ART NUKO. Can it be that those whose announced policy it is to use nuclear weapons first refuse to look at what those policies would ultimately mean? “ So you are the person responsible for this!” “ No Sir, I merely painted the picture. Mr. Salmawy intervenes and introduces the Soviet Ambassador, Mr. Gennady Zhuravlyov, who goes on to extend full diplomatic courtesies to ART NUKO. We both agree that the show should continue to all the world capitals. Placing a courtly kiss on my partner Linda’s hand he concludes, “We will see you in Moscow.” The following days are spent meeting with a continuous flow of visitors who come to see the paintings. Reporters from all over the Middle East ask: “Will ART NUKO come to Abu Dhabi?” “Will you paint one over Israel?” “ Do you think the war in the Gulf will spread?” Elderly philosophers ponder: “ Can Good ever win over Evil?” Intelligentsia inquires: “ Do you think people are influenced by seeing these pictures?” Art students probe: “ How do you get the explosions so smooth? They’re so perfect.” I suggest that only Allah’s perfect. They agree. “ But surely he influences your patient technique?” I contemplate the thought: “ I am only Allah’s airbrush.” The attendance is encouraged by three nights of television coverage of the show. But missing are the millions of ordinary Egyptians who fill the lanes and bazaars of Cairo and have never been in an Art Gallery. So in the evening Indiana Nukes and his partner Ms. Nukea explore the back alleys of Cairo, passing out postcards. JERUSALEM-May 15 A / i s we step off the plane at Ben Gurion, we are immediately aware of a difference. It’s more than just going from a third to a first world country. More than going from an Islamic to a Jewish country. The mood in Egypt was one of resignation; people doing just enough to hold back the flood that few were willing to acknowledge. But here in Israel there is a sense of anticipation. Surely the flood is coming and the only question is whether the ark can be built in time. In fact, of course, there is a full range of moods and feelings and opinions in Israel, but this is my f i r s t im p re s s ion as we a r r iv e in Jerusalem. An artist friend who we’ve contacted explains how the Intifada, the current Palestinian uprising, has made everyone very nervous and alert. She presents us with a lecture over dinner on the suffering of her people and Dr. Nuko comes under severe criticism for coming to this city with the intent of painting its last few milliseconds of history. “ Nuclearism isn’t the important issue here,” she says. “ It’s that people are being attacked and threatened personally every day. If it’s God’s will that there be a nuclear war then so be it. I can accept my death if we go instantly in a nuclear poof, but it’s this day-to-day uncertainty that is driving me crazy.” Our reception at the mayor’s office is completely different. We are encouraged to talk with the Department of Culture where it is suggested that we put on the ART NUKO Show at the Artists House, Jerusalem’s international gallery. Here the committee of artists that runs the gallery comes to an immediate agreement that the Arts must become more involved with the reality around us. They enthusiastically accept the show as a timely message in Israel. As the committee thumbs thorough the postcards the chairperson suggests that I should paint one for Jerusalem. So we agree—Peace is our inspiration. The ARTNUKO Show will be exhibited in Jerusalem next January. Artist Carl Chaplin can be reached at 1695 West 7th Avenue, Vancouver, B.C. V6J 1S4, Canada—(604) 736-1399. His postcards of nuclear explosions around the planet are available directly from him. 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