Below are paintings from my June 2010 show Ambush: The Story of the TDA

Show Statement:
Ambush: The Story of the TDA depicts a fictionalized revolutionary group living on the West Coast of the United States in the early years of the twenty-first century. Bailey Winters' paintings, and their accompanying narrative titles, explore the personal dynamics at work in the underground political party. In particular, Winters examines the organization's final decision to refuse a non-violent alternative and instead continue with militant reaction.

This the most famous and recognizable image ever to depict the TDA. In it, three of the organization's four officers appear along with Bailey Shadow and writer Eva Dihn. Absent from the picture is ranking officer Zoë Shadow. It was often featured with articles discussing the group and was also used as a still shot by television stations whenever Matias granted live telephone interviews. Worth noting is the rifle being held by JJ Briggs. Although it appears real, the gun is only a prop.

2010, Oil on Linen, 36 x 60 inches

After the explosion at 112 Minna, several TDA members were seriously wounded. Lacking medical resources of their own and fearing jail sentences if exposed, the TDA kidnapped Dr. David Silva and his partner Eileen Feinstein from their San Francisco apartment. Here, Dr. Silva is being held at gunpoint while he repairs Melissa Hites' leg. Held by the group for two weeks, Silva was given the honorary name Zhivago. Neither Silva nor Feinstein ever pressed charges for the kidnapping.

2010, Oil on Linen, 36 x 60 inches

Bailey Shadow and Marjorie Iglesias meeting at the Dragonfly Resort in Palm Springs, California. Marjorie, the wife of Republican senator Victor Iglesias, personally financed The Tiger Den Association between 1996 and 2000. Victor has stated on several occasions that, during this time, he knew nothing of his ex-wife's involvement with the guerilla group. It has been suggested by reporters and by Shadow's biographer, Lewis Stanton, that Shadow and Ms. Iglesias were involved in a romantic relationship.

2010, Oil on Linen, 36 x 60 inches

As a result of his relationship with the press, the outside world viewed Matias as the TDA's leader. However, within the organization, Matias and Melissa were seen as equal ranking officers - each determined to steer the party in opposite directions. He wanted the group to increase in numbers, begin non-violent operations, and become more involved with left-wing student movements. She believed in presenting the TDA as "a militant group who demanded equality and basic rights for all people." While Matias felt comfortable speaking freely to the press and negotiating deals with businesses for food and supplies, Melissa consistently refused to work with anyone she felt was a part of the capitalist system. In 2001, Melissa's influence over the group strengthened and The Tiger Den Association changed their name to The Tiger Den Army.

2010, Oil on Linen, 36 x 60 inches

May 6, 2001 saw the total collapse of the TDA. When police conducted a raid on a hideout in Portland, Oregon, heavy gunfire ensued and resulted in numerous injuries of both civilian and militant. Three police officers were killed as were Melissa Hites and Bailey Shadow. It was this operation which finally led to the capture of nearly all the remaining members of the TDA.

Below are installation photographs of Ambush: The Story of the TDA at The New American Art Union in Portland OR. The additional painting that can be seen in the shot is Acrylic on Paper and measures 78 x 120 inches.