ELLIE BROWN
BAG: a photographic installation
September 2nd-October 22nd
Artspace Liberti
2424 E. York St.
Philadelphia, PA 19125
Contact: Rob Matthews - artspaceliberti@gmail.com
Artspace Liberti is pleased to launch its second season of exhibitions with Ellie Brown’s BAG photography project. Conceived of by Camille Thoman and realized by Ms. Brown, the photographs in BAG were taken in Philadelphia, New York, Los Angeles, Urbana, Montana and Iceland. This Artspace exhibition marks the first time the work has been viewed in Philadelphia. An opening reception will be held on Friday, September 2nd from 6:30-9:30PM.
Brown’s process begins by asking her subjects (be they friends or strangers) to reveal the contents of their personal bags. The resulting photographic diptychs each show the person holding their bag along with the contents of the bag as arranged by the owner. During the photographic shoot, the person is asked what they are and are not willing to part with from their bag. The material that the person was willing to part with is on display under the photographic portrait. In addition, all of the contents of the bag are cataloged under two categories: what the person was and was not willing to part with.
The exhibition explores notions of material attachment in how we choose what to carry with us on our person, as well as with what we are willing to part. The photos also explore the public persona expressed through the exterior of the bag versus the private persona expressed through the interior contents. On the surface, the project can be seen as ‘fun’. The areas to consider more thoroughly are how difficult or easy it may have been for people to part with the objects in the bag, what the object they carry say about their socio-economic status, gender, and how all of the elements give us clues to the identity of the model.
The artist’s reception will be held on Friday, September 2nd from 6:30-9:30PM at 2424 E York St in Philadelphia between Gaul and Cedar Sts.
We will also be open the weekend of October 15-16 for Philadelphia Open Studios Tour (POST).
While the gallery does not maintain regular viewing hours, visits can be scheduled by appointment. Please e-mail us at artspaceliberti@gmail.com to arrange a visit. Viewing is also possible during Sunday church services between 10:00AM-2:00PM.
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Artspace Liberti is a multi-discipline arts venue organized and maintained by liberti church east.
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image: Hallbjorn, 65, Electrician, 20x30", digital c-print, 2011
