The Work of Remembering

Join the Southern Studies Fellows, John W. Bateman and Mo Kessler, for a showcase of their mixed media art project examining Southern narratives built from selective history rejecting humanity in service to the status quo, as well as how power and control is perpetuated when those false narratives remain unchallenged. The cumulative event of their fellowship in Spartanburg will feature an art exhibit, mini-documentary screening, live readings, and an artist talkback.

The exhibit space will be open April 16th through 18th from 1:30 PM to 7:30 PM for those who cannot make it to the showcase and reception.

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Mo Kessler is an installation and conceptual artist. Utilizing the shadow of 1934, Kessler memorializes mill sites throughout Spartanburg County as hallowed battlegrounds for dignity and self determination.

John W. Bateman, a writer and visual artist and descendant of one of the earliest colonizers in Spartanburg County, explores narratives embedded within family memories. What control did those narratives have over individual identity and self-awareness? What lies do we tell ourselves? How do we know before we know? 

These works of remembering are acts of unraveling.

First one hundred attendees will receive John’s chapbook. 

The Southern Studies Fellowship in Arts and Letters is hosted by the Chapman Cultural Center and Hub City Writers Project, and made possible by the Watson Brown Foundation.