Project Statement:
This installation is an exploration of the work of my late grandpa Gerry, and by extension an attempt to portray his personhood. This piece began in 2021 when I inherited his cameras. I thought little of them at the time—they were either broken or their batteries were dead. But last year I finally salvaged the ones I could and discovered hundreds of photos he had taken over the years. It felt like reconnecting with him and seeing the world through his eyes. He was always an art lover, and I had the feeling that this photography was his way of engaging in an art practice, in addition to documenting his experiences. With this piece, I want to elevate his work to the status of art and give it the platform it deserves, and attempt to capture his whimsy and character, his compassionate observation of the people and things around him. My approach to creating this piece was to select his best work and present it in a traditional gallery layout. In front of the work, I have placed AstroTurf, a lawn chair, and a stool with my grandpa’s camera atop. The work situates the viewer outside, as many of the photographs were taken of the outdoor world. This installation is inspired by the memory boxes of Joseph Cornell, which reflect his experiences through the objects he’s collected and carefully arranged in boxes. A theme heavily present in this piece is collection and arrangement of memories, something I explore often in my work.
Artists Bio:
Jane is a multidisciplinary artist from Columbus, Ohio, currently living in Chicago, Illinois. Jane got their start in fashion, working as a stylist and creative director for photographers in Columbus. At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, they were drawn to fiber arts, creating embroidered quilts inspired by the show King of the Hill. In their current practice they are exploring sculpture, making garments and sculptures by transforming soft molds of utilitarian objects. Jane describes their work as modern pop art, taking influence from pop culture and ready-made art to explore and understand the world around them. They like to be guided by humor and fun, and they believe in creating an engaging experience for the viewers of their work.
