Controversial cemetery photos anger local families
SEATTLE -- Their headstones line up in perfect symmetry, like soldiers headed to war; but for some of those who fought for the United States, their final resting place has seen a great deal of unrest this month.
"It kind of leaves you a little bit at a loss for words, really," said Scott Sheehan, general manager at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home and Cemetery in North Seattle. "We care for the living and the dead and in respect to that, it's a direct impact to us when somebody violates that."
Police believe someone may have violated the law by breaking into Washelli sometime earlier this month. Families say they were further violated by what happened next: A photography session at Washelli's veteran's memorial cemetery, where women were tied up in bondage situations, hung from cannons and statues, and then photographed. The pictures were then posted to a fetish website.
"Oh, good lord. That's terrible," said 88-year old Dom Chialante of West Seattle, who spent Tuesday morning tending to his family's plot, where his parents, wife, and brother-in-law are all buried. "This is a sacred area. The world is terrible today and it's getting progressively worse."
The photographer, in a statement, said his intent was for the photos to make people think.
"The title of this series is Spoils of War," wrote Patrick Andraste in a statement emailed to KOMO 4 News. "The model is Japanese American, and some of her family was interned in the relocation camps during WWII. Her grandfather was a combat vet during WWII and a long time peace activist. (She) wanted to show that the truth of our country's history is disturbing."
Seattle Police are now investigating the incident as a possible trespassing issue, said Mark Jamieson, a spokesman for the department.
Meantime, family members of some of the veterans buried near where the photos were taken have contacted Washelli, concerned with what happened, Sheehan said.
"(One woman) was distraught. She was upset emotionally. "The photos violate) just all principles that we have about the honor to this particular piece of ground," Sheehan said. "We care for the living and the dead, and, in respect to that, it's a direct impact to us when somebody violates that."
"It kind of leaves you a little bit at a loss for words, really," said Scott Sheehan, general manager at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home and Cemetery in North Seattle. "We care for the living and the dead and in respect to that, it's a direct impact to us when somebody violates that."
Police believe someone may have violated the law by breaking into Washelli sometime earlier this month. Families say they were further violated by what happened next: A photography session at Washelli's veteran's memorial cemetery, where women were tied up in bondage situations, hung from cannons and statues, and then photographed. The pictures were then posted to a fetish website.
"Oh, good lord. That's terrible," said 88-year old Dom Chialante of West Seattle, who spent Tuesday morning tending to his family's plot, where his parents, wife, and brother-in-law are all buried. "This is a sacred area. The world is terrible today and it's getting progressively worse."
The photographer, in a statement, said his intent was for the photos to make people think.
"The title of this series is Spoils of War," wrote Patrick Andraste in a statement emailed to KOMO 4 News. "The model is Japanese American, and some of her family was interned in the relocation camps during WWII. Her grandfather was a combat vet during WWII and a long time peace activist. (She) wanted to show that the truth of our country's history is disturbing."
Seattle Police are now investigating the incident as a possible trespassing issue, said Mark Jamieson, a spokesman for the department.
Meantime, family members of some of the veterans buried near where the photos were taken have contacted Washelli, concerned with what happened, Sheehan said.
"(One woman) was distraught. She was upset emotionally. "The photos violate) just all principles that we have about the honor to this particular piece of ground," Sheehan said. "We care for the living and the dead, and, in respect to that, it's a direct impact to us when somebody violates that."
As a member of the fetish community and ex-military I am disgusted.Throwing the label of art and expression does not grant you a free pass to any act you wish to commit. If I beat a thousand children to death and take pictures of how pretty their blood was and call it art that does not excuse me from the death sentence I would deserve. Freedom of speech etc is an overused shield ignorant members of our society are piling behind like children trying to find excuses to do what they want.Â
And the SPOILS, I imagine, are the women? Because weâre OBJECTS. Yeah, wow. Really made me think. Think that this d00d is just another talentless TURD, that is. Wonât someone think of the long-dead dudes? FORGET the LIVING women being HUNG UP like sides of beef; DEAD MEN ARE MORE IMPORTANT! I wish women would refuse to participate in things like this. There is NOTHING EMPOWERING ABOUT MISOGYNY. And, I was a dominatrix throughout and a few years after college, so you can save your "oh, you don't UNDERSTAND BDSM, go do research" garbage. I know EXACTLY what this is.
Isn't it fascinating how so many 'artistic' statements are made via the bodies of naked women, preferably being hurt, injured, attacked or tortured? It's all so very transparent - and disrespectful on many fronts.
As someone who has been following the story and is friends with the model, I feel I need to speak up. This is a hard fact that Mitsu and Andraste do not wish to be revealed. However, they did nothing illegal and did not trespass. They went into the cemetery and shot the backdrops for their scenes. Then, they returned to a friend's house afterwards  and did the rigging. That explains the difference in lighting for certain scenes. Also, they used photoshop to make it appear as if it were night. Simple enough, really. If you examine how the supports are angled, you could also tell that if she were really rigged there, it would simply slide down the cannon. Not to mention, they're highly amused that people honestly believe they brought equipment and rigged up a girl in the middle of the night or day, without the numerous cameras picking up on it. Also, being on that site does not make you a pervert. It isn't just sex and kinky games on there-- for many, it's support, sexual freedom, expression, and a way of life. Please do not bash the site or BDSM unless you've done research.
 @Rosetta Anderson These images were not photoshopped. Since I took them, I should know.
And it would be nice if the widows of the vets got together and slammed little man artist with a class action suit for intentional infliction of emotional distress, loss of quiet enjoyment, pain and suffering. Maybe triple damages for the cost of each grave site plus attorney's fees. Drub the bum out of business.
My deceased father was a veteran of World War II. My mom is old, totally disabled and confined with 24 hour care. She has great physical problems now, and cognitive impairment as well. I am glad my father was not buried in this cemetery because she would not be able to deal with the shame, shock and dismay, and would brood and dwell on this unhappy circumstance to the end of her life.
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Little man artist might think he is making a statement but statements that intentionally hurt vulnerable, elderly widows are despicable. May he never rest in peace, in this life or the next. I don't believe for a minute that the girl model has any feelings for any family that might have been in internment camps because they would not be very proud of her at this moment. I am guessing she is actually college student that needs some extra bucks for a weekend binge of party. Instead of Spoils of War, lets rename the photos to Spoiling Peace.
just another example of spoiled little kids with no respect for other humans...these are peoples family's that they choose to disrespect...boundaries is a word they do not think refers to them.
 @pammy4462 ...no mention of the disrespect for women? Just par for the course, I suppose? THAT is what upsets me about this. These women are ALIVE. Don't they matter?!
I do not even see why people are arguing over the artistic  value of these pictures. He broke into the cemetery which some of you see to think was okay. Well it is not, and the photographs are not protected as freedom of speech. They were taken on private property  during the commission of a crime. The "artist" did not have permission from the owners of the property to take the photos. Therefore he does not have any freedom of speech protection, and the photos would be considered "ill gotten"
I think in defense of his ART he needs to be strung up the same way over his parents or grandparents final resting place... call it "Disrespect"Â
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Sick.
Yes, I'm sure that the intended audience of these pictures will be thinking about Japanese-American internment as they study this tied-up naked woman. And if you believe that....
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Given that the Imperial Japanese military routinely used rape as a weapon of war, the photographer's claim that these photos represent some kind of political statement about U.S. behavior during WWII just doesn't wash. Also, if it was really intended as art, then why did the photographer post the pictures to a bondage fetish website instead of showing them in an art gallery?
"The photographer, in a statement, said his intent was for the photos to make people think."
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Liar!! I CALL BS! Otherwise why were these photos posted on a fetish website? The photographer's only concern was profits. It's disgusting. And as a veteran, HIGHLY offensive.
 @Tattooed_Angel It doesn't matter where he posted them, they did get people to THINK. Sorry, but most professional photographers do want to get paid for their work, regardless of WHY they took the pics.
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I'm a veteran, and I have no issues with the pictures or the reasons. I fully realize that by my serving our nation in the armed forces, I am helping maintain the freedoms for ALL citizens. This includes all of those folks with whom I do not agree with, even in the slightest.
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Perception and interpretation of art will always be up to the viewer. In all things, one cannot make All of the people happy All of the time.
@theToucan I respectfully disagree. He broke into a MILITARY cemetery, took absolutely atrocious photos in a place that is supposed to be a peaceful resting place for the honorable, while desecrating the momuments set in place in that cemetery to honor the fallen heros who have fought for this country.
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I found it sickening that there are people out there who are getting their jollies off over what should be a sacred resting place for those who have generously served this country. You as a veteran should understand that there was a line that shouldn't have been crossed here.The fact that you don't disturbs me. I understand freedom but I also understand respect for those who have served this country and just respect for people in general. WHICH THIS "ARTIST" CLEARLY HAS ABSOLUTELY NONE OF.
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How would you like it if these pictures were taken on or above you father's grave? Or how about this. What if someone standing next to you all the sudden starting pissing on your leg? Is that ok? This is a free country that you helped maintain the freedom for so is it ok for that person to pee on you? Are you going to get mad or be ok with his pissing on you because it is a free country?
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Seriously, dude. DISRESPECT IS NOT OK.
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 @Tattooed_Angel Freedom will ALWAYS include stuff you and I, and others, don't like. If it doesn't, then we're not truly free. That includes burning of flags/crosses/koran/bible/sacred cow or whatever else folks come up with. I will vigorously defend someones right to do so, though I may not agree nor like the act itself. To do otherwise is to strip the freedom of expression (speech) from citizens which is not why I served.
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Urinating on someone without their consent I believe is classified as assault, so their exists a law against that. It falls outside the boundaries of "freedom of expression" and is not a constitutionally protected right.
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I don't care what you do to my fathers' grave as he doesn't have one, our family being strong believers in cremation. I'm sure where we spread his ashes someone, at sometime, urinated in the region (wooded area that he loved so much).
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I will fight to the death for these freedoms we have, defending our Constitution against all foes, foreign AND domestic. If this includes doing so against people worried more about 'respect' than our 'rights', so be it. If you won't, then what were you defending when you served?
 @Tattooed_Angel Anything you do publicly "Makes People Think"  Influencing them in a positive or negative manor is defined by your character.
LOL I bet all this coverage has brought tons more traffic to the website. Â Free publicity. Â Good for them.
Wow. Â Some people have no respect. Â For themselves or others. Â Rude humans.
While not an Art form that I particularly care for... they are only guilty of two things. Trespassing and poor taste. Only one of which is punishable by law.
 Wow KOMO no story on the killing of 2 marines and an ambassador in Libya,really?
Just because you can, doesnât always mean you should.
ao a pervy guy and his twisted sister break into a military cemetery to get pervy pictures to put up in a pervy website and some of you defend it by citing "free speech"? Sorry, no sale. Just why did we do away with tar and feathering? Some acts just cry out for social indignation. Let's start with the pervs.
Just where is this "sick" line drawn???? To many, its way before what you see here. ---OBTW--if we don't start cremating EVREYONE ASAP, there won't be enough hallowed ground to go around.
This was just plain sick and these people should be arrested.
Freedom of speech. Get over it. Right now. If you can't then don't pretend to be an American.
 @Barlion "Get over it": the mantra of the abusive ***hole.
 @Barlion Trespassing is not protected by the First Amendment.
@Barlion -Â Â I DIsagree.Â
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You only think you have Freedom of Speech.Â
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Read the entire First Amendment and you will find a variety of clauses and laws that have been enacted based on Supreme Court rulings.Â
@Barlion Do not be so antagonistic....
"The model is Japanese American, and some of her family was interned in the relocation camps during WWII???"  Between 1937 and 1945, the Japanese military murdered from nearly 3,000,000 to over 10,000,000 people, most likely 6,000,000 Chinese, Indonesians, Koreans, Filipinos and Indochinese, among others, including Western prisoners of war.  In comparison with that, I think the Japanese Americans internment in the relocation camp in the U.S. was a vacation in paradise.
@hot talk Maybe the model would like to speak with some of the 'Comfort Women' the Japanese used during WW II.
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(For those who don't know - 'Comfort Women' were basically sexual slaves used by the Japanese during WWII. Forced to 'service' the troops - who would line up outside their tent for their turn to rape. Official policy.)
@gregr
Wow. That is ghastly. I'd never heard of that before.
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Unbelievable what humans are capable of......
 @Smokin Bear  @gregr Try what MEN are capable of. NAME THE AGENT: MEN.
@Bryn @Smokin Bear @LocalLady - Bryn, reading is fundamental.
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You completely misunderstood the thread of comment between LL and I. Neither she nor I were stating in ANY way that the Japanese descendants are responsible for actions taken by their predecessors.Â
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Your rabid remarks deserve a swat.Â
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Now, go pour yourself a big glass of calm down juice and have a good weekend.
 @Smokin Bear  @LocalLady They were american citizens mostly born in the USA. Your argument is because they had japanese ancestors they should be punished for something people they do not know nor ever met did. By your logic you should be castrated because another man raped a child
@LocalLady Yes, the atrocities in Nanking were beyond human comprehension. Some would say that war brings out the worst in people, but I tend to believe that 'the worst' in some people is already thereand needs only a nudge to surface.Â
@Smokin Bear:Â Japan is very into revisionist histry - nothing that would make them look bad (even if it was the truth) was allowed to be taught in their schools, the history books did not include any information about things such as the comfort women or the rape of Nanking.
I'm a Vet, and I'm appalled.... NOT all the way. Sure it's upsetting, but our crappy foreign policy is even more upsetting. FDR set up Pearl Harbor, FACT!.... To get us into WW2, FACT! To import the international bankers corporate nazi-ism, FACT! Let's not even start on Vietnam and this new bogus meat grinder posing as Iraq/Afghan "Freedom".
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America needs to stop using fake patriotism, and using our wounded and dead heros as human shields from critical review.
Remember Pearl Harbor!
So our talentless "photographer" Patrick Andraste is now getting the attention he's longed for.
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Here's what he has to say about it on his own site:
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"I am finding it very interesting who has supported me in all of this and who has run away like cowards."Â
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I think i hear the sound of many, many running feet. Good for them.
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Meanwhile, instead of whining that the media is misquoting you, and whining that others are anonymously criticizing you, why don't you stand up, be seen and give a real-live press interview.
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None of this hiding behind e-mails. Be bigger than your critics. What? You can't do that?Â
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No wonder your friends are deserting you.Â
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The second photo should be titled, "Read my lips!"
Don't like it? Don't look at it.
 @Jolly What a pathetic cop-out response.
@Doctress Julia X. @Jolly Yeah, you're right. It makes a lot more sense to censor artistic expression because a few people were offended after they elected to look at these photos, than to just decide that if someone's art bothers you, maybe just don't look at it, because it's sheer existence doesn't actually effect anything in your life. While we're at it, let's go ahead and take stained glass windows and crucifixes off of churches. I don't like walking by a church and seeing a man in agony, suspended by nails through his hands and feet from a piece of wood. It's graphic, disgusting and offensive, and it's high time we stopped exposing the public to this kind of obscenity.
I think the main issue is the artist broke into the cemetery which is illegal and dishonored the graves of those who are buried there. He also caused anguish and grief for the families whose loved ones are there. I think they should arrest him. charge him and then fine him a good healthy sum so he doesn't do anything as stupid again. Just for good measure I think the families of the people buried there should also sue him.
If an artist wants to take bondage photos or grave photos or whatever they have that right. Â An artist does not however have the right to break into a place to shoot said photos.
 @Denise Harrington You're absolutely right, Denise. I hope Patrick Andreste and his model or models are criminally arrested and civilly sued for all they are worth.
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Meanwhile, I'll bet a lot of VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) vets from Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan would like to meet Andreste personally to tell them what they think of his "art." I'd sure like to see that meeting.
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Or Andreste could "man up" and take his photos to the Veterans Hospital on Beacon Hill. Â He could meet with the guys there who've been all shot up, who have limbs missing, who'll spend the rest of their lives fighting PTSD. Being the grand artist that he is, he could explain his "art" to them. Â Think they'll think he honored their sacrifices?Â
 @pilchuck140  @Denise Harrington The funny thing is, Currently serving military personnel have been my strongest supporters through all of this. It has been people that never served that have been my biggest detractors.
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Also, I did not break in, or trespass. I started shooting at approx. 5pm. I was not hiding anything while shooting these on both days I was there shooting.
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Apparently the Police and the FBI were investigating me, but no one contacted me from either agency. And I am not that hard to find.
 @pilchuck140 My father lost a leg in Korea, my older brother was in Vietnam. I find the pictures themselves to be poorly done and in poor taste. However poor taste and being a shoddy photographer are not crimes.  Trespassing is and if he broke the lock to get in that would be breaking and entering. If they charge him I think it would open the way for the families to sue for emotional distress.
I figure if they sue him maybe he will have to get an actual job and not have the time to do ignorant things such as this.
 @theToucan  @Jalharad  @Denise Harrington  @pilchuck140 Yeah, misogyny and objectification of women is really "edgy. NOT. More like cliched, tired and pathetic.
 @Tattooed_Angel  @theToucan Money wasn't involved in this at all. He does not make money. It was displayed to FetLife.com, which is essentially a Facebook for those in the alternative lifestyle. It was also posted to his Facebook and personal website.
 @theToucan  @Jalharad  @Denise Harrington  @pilchuck140 This ISN"T pablum for brain-dead people? Better check your batteries, I think they might be expiring.
@theToucan This isn't art. It's porn. It wasn't done to make a statement, it was done for a fetish website for him to make money off of. It is disgusting, disgraceful, and there are boundries that shouldn't be crossed. This is one of them.
 @Jalharad  @Denise Harrington  @pilchuck140 Exactly right. Patrick has been doing photography (edgy) for years. I for one am glad that folks do stuff that provoke the mind. Most of the crap "art" I see is no more than pablum for brain-dead people.
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At most, he will get dinged for trespassing. There was no "desecration" and certainly no vandalism. Emotional distress? Over what? Someone who wasn't dressed as you'd like them to be? Were that the case then we should be dragging half the people who trod through there into court.
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WOW, for a society that thinks itself so progressive, we sure are wound up about stuff that REALLY doesn't affect others.
 @Denise Harrington  @pilchuck140 Photography is an actual job. The families do not have a leg to stand on if they want to sue him for emotional distress. The photographer can be charged for trespassing, but the photo's stand as art and therefor are protected under the freedom of speech. In fact, 100% of the photos you take are protected as freedom of speech and cannot be taken away from you.
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I'm wondering what komo had to pay to post the pictures on this site, since none of their photographers took the pictures, they cannot claim it as editorial, and Patrick Andreste holds the rights to them.