REMIX is a juried exhibit of collages using the West Virginia Regional History Center (WVRHC) On-View photograph collection. This exhibition and online project by the WVU Libraries' Art in the Libraries program was developed to inspire literal and figurative out-of-the-box ideas for the WVRHC collections. The exhibit features a curated selection of digital and print remixed artworks from artists and non-artists from around the area, selected by the Art in the Libraries.
My approach in developing this series was to create thought provoking and humorous images using disparate material provided by the archives. - Dick Allowat
Remix of The International Association for Identification (IAI) Collection
Dick Allowat
My work is usually inspired by vintage objects, books and ephemera which I seek and collect. I am drawn to the aged finish and patina of these materials and very seldom have a preconceived notion of what I will create. What excites me is discovering new and unexpected relationships for incongruent materials and images. Along with paint and other traditional mediums, I guide these forgotten materials to their new home. For me, the thrill is in the unpredictable journey and the surprise destination. I am a native West Virginian and currently live in St. Albans. I’ve worked my life as a graphic designer and advertising art director and continue to freelance while focusing on my personal art in collage, mixed media and assemblage. I have participated in many juried exhibitions statewide and nationally and have won a number of awards. I am a juried Tamarack: The Best of West Virginia artist and Signature Member of the National Collage Society.
Footprints of our Fathers
Joel T. Dugan
When responding to these historic images I was struck by the metaphor of the footprint in regards to our personal ancestry, and the industry that rootsour leaders. This piece was an exploration of lineage and centered around the meeting place that is the kitchen table. It was important to me that the eclipses are a repetitive element in the design of this work, since so much of my understanding for ancestry seems to revolve around theinterpretation of the story teller.
A Tribute to My Kin
Linda S. Gribko
As soon as I saw the group photo of the veterans, I knew the theme of my piece would be the American Civil War. From a small crop of this samephotograph, I immediately recognized my cousin, John Garrett Jones. I knew he’d been a sergeant in the 12th West Virginia Infantry and had lost his left index finger during the Battle of Piedmont, Virginia, the same day his brother, George Lemuel Jones, was killed in action. John has his hands clasped in the photograph, hiding the fact that his finger is missing—which immediately got me thinking about the sacrifices these men made and the fact that their sacrifices and contributions to the nation are now largely hidden from memory. Scanning the list of names accompanying the photograph, I found an uncle, Abraham Jones, and three additional cousins—and I just had to do a tribute piece. A search of the library’s databases led me to the photographs of the regiment’s battle flags and the golden eagle, which linked my ancestors to General John Gibbon—the division commander who defended the Union line against Pickett’s charge during the Battle of Gettysburg. After discovering the story behind the golden eagle, I knew I had to share it. I hope I’ve done that here in a way that makes West Virginia history come alive to some small degree.
Mindful Matriarch
Joel T. Dugan
This reference of Pearl Buck immediately reminded me of my family matriarch, and the story’s she told of home. Through it all the true thread that binds a family together is often stitched by the quietest voice. So this piece is intended to reflect a daydream or recollection of place and sequence. The act of looking back at ones stitch and seeing the woven and intertwined knots that held the tear together.
Tracing the Source
Joel T. Dugan
This piece is a study on discovery and the act of tracing the source of ones desires. I think often about the faith and hope young pioneers must have had to silent all doubt and endure the labors of ones journey to comfort. What is desire and how do we stay present without losing focus on what’s most important.
Peace Offering
Teri Micco
Image from West Virginia History OnView: Historical Photographs: Baby sits in a Pile of Brush, date unknown.
Teri Micco is a visual artist, designer and writer. She received a BFA from Washington University in St. Louis and an MFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Formerly a professor of art, her works have been exhibited in galleries as well as international, national, regional and local juried competitions. In addition, her illustrations have appeared in publications including American Illustration 11; Working Woman Magazine and The Bloomsbury Review. She lives now among the piñons, cholla and ravens just outside of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Modeled after the Virginia Caucus of the Mid-Atlantic Regional Archives Conference project, REMIX / ARCHIVAL ODDITIES, this exhibition and online project by the WVU Libraries Art in the Libraries program was developed to inspire literal and figurative out-of-the-box ideas for the WVRHC collections. The exhibit features a curated selection digital and print collage remix artworks from artists and nonartists from around the area selected by the Art in the Libraries committee.
Artists: Dick Allowatt, Sally Brown Deskins, Joel T. Dugan, Linda S. Gribko, Hannah M. Jack, Teri Micco, Sophie N., Tiana Phillips, and Travis Williamson.