Stan Squirewell's latest exhibition, "Robitussin, Hotcombs & Grease," utilizes mixed-media collages to explore the forgotten stories of individuals through vibrant reinterpretations of images from archives and personal collections. By embedding recognizable items from his upbringing, such as Robitussin and hair care products, Squirewell connects his heritage to contemporary life, emphasizing the rituals dictated by these objects. His artwork is meticulously crafted and incorporates historical inscriptions to bridge past and present, resulting in works that celebrate ancestral legacies and the communal experiences they evoke, currently viewable at the Claire Oliver Gallery in Harlem.
“Growing up, I was shaped by elders around me, and everyday objects like Robitussin, hotcombs, and grease became vessels for the rituals that anchored me to my heritage.”
“These items transcend their mundane uses: they embody traditions passed down through generations, grounding me in a collective identity.”
“How have daily, domestic practices and the legacies of previous generations informed the present?”
“The dignified works become reliquaries that honor what's been passed down and how that continues to inform life today.”
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