Patrons invited to write cards for Student Art Space

Michael Todd
Assistant Spectrum Editor

In the exhibit “Write Home Soon,” photography and film senior Mark Strandquist gives observers the chance to contribute to and become a part of the art by revealing memories, stories, self-representations and self-reflections.

Although now on display in the Student Art Space in the Commons, Strandquist originally found inspiration for “Write Home Soon” when he worked in Washington D.C. with low-income senior citizens who were struggling to keep their homes as their neighborhoods were modernized.

Strandquist became interested in recording the histories and memories of not only these individuals, but of everyone in a society.

“If these memories aren’t in our museums, libraries or textbooks, how do we learn from them?” Strandquist said. “I think all of my work has tried to deal with these issues.”

Patrons of the exhibit are asked to anonymously write, on provided cards, descriptions of places — physical or mental — they can no longer access. Participants engage not only with the work, but with one another, through their contributions. The cards can either be mailed in or completed during workshops hosted by Strandquist. There is no cost for participation.

“The creation of the work is participatory, but so is the exhibition,” Strandquist said. “By picking up a postcard you participate in the creation of the meaning, you tangibly connect to these memories and personal truths.”

However, the point of the project is not to record memories or empower contributors.

“It’s about redefining those voices whose histories our museums reflect,” Strandquist said. “Every individual featured in this project has a unique and challenging story. Our society simply rarely listens.”

“Write Home Soon” was originally showcased in Art Museum of the Americas in Washington D.C. in a group exhibit called “Ripple Effect.”

All work included in “Ripple Effect” addressed the boundary between art, social issues and participation by using viewers as participants. Strandquist was one of three local artists chosen to participate in the international showcase.

Strandquist worked for two months planning dates and picking locations for “Write Home Soon” workshops. Locations included prisons, homeless shelters, local galleries, universities and studios.

“This project has been incredibly humbling,” Strandquist said. “A woman gave me a hug at a workshop because the postcard gave her a chance for the first time to discuss her father’s loss of memory … She was crying … It was such a rare, raw and human moment.”

Kate Fowler, who runs Student Art Space, saw “Ripple Effect” in D.C. and requested Strandquist display the exhibit at the Student Art Space in the Commons, where the piece is on display now.  The Student Art Space normally takes submissions for the various student artist galleries that it has held.

“A lot of visitors have said, they’ve never entered or lingered in the Student Art Space before because they either didn’t understand, didn’t care or were alienated by the work,” Strandquist said. “The gallery serves as a space for production. Individuals can create their own cards and be included in the exhibit, as well as experiencing the work through physical, mental and emotional interaction.”

“Write Home Soon” opened Friday, Feb. 1, and will run until mid-February. A workshop will take place Wednesday, Feb. 13 at 7 p.m. for individuals interested in viewing, hearing about and participating in the exhibit.