“Untitled,” a digital photograph by Susan Harbage Page.
Pecan: March 12-April 17, 2009
Harbage Page’s art addresses such concerns as race, gender, identity politics, and illegal immigration. The subjects and materials of her large-scale photographs, altered textiles, videos, and installations are often associated with women, and picture the complex intersections of politics, gender, race, and religion in the United States, as well as Europe and the Middle East.
“I live in North Carolina, where we have an increasing number of Latino immigrants,” said Harbage Page. “I am interested in the border as a crossing point; a place of cultural intersection and transnational identity. I see it as a place to confront the current national issues accompanying immigration such as health care, education, employment and safety.”
“Harbage Page takes unnoticed items and refuse from our own backyard border district and raises them to the level of powerful art objects speaking of suffrage, repression, deficiency and poverty,” said David Freeman, curator and programs coordinator of STC’s Library Art Gallery Program. “Her work vividly shows the challenges immigrants face in seeking out a new and better life. Her portrayal of the tribulations that define the immigrant experience make for powerful content.
“As artists continue to seek fresh, new ways of seeing our world, Harbage Page succeeds in letting us perceive what we take for granted. She bring the subject matter into focus for us through poignant art. Her subjects are mostly just bits of trash and garbage like I.D. tags, lost identity bracelets, combs, an old tire or tooth brush, but put into the artist’s hands, a wonderful transformation takes place. Suddenly we see with new eyes, looking at a visual novel of the trials and tribulations of humanity.”
Harbage Page has shown her work nationally and internationally. Her art can be found in many public and private collections, including the Baltimore Museum of Art, the Birmingham Museum of Art, the High Museum of Art, the Houston Museum of Fine Arts, and the Israel Museum. Among her numerous awards are fellowships from the North Carolina Arts Council, the Camargo Foundation, and the Fulbright Program.
South Texas College’s Library Art Gallery Program exhibits regional, national and international artwork, explores new visions and theories of creativity, and introduces innovative artistic expressions to the South Texas region.
For more information call 872-3488.
