Asterisks in the Grand Narrative of History gathers together not just artists, but also curators and institutions in the creative process. The exhibition features nine artists, spans galleries at Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College, and is curated by Jay Simple (Visiting Assistant Professor in Photography at Longwood University) and Emma Steinkraus (Assistant Professor of Fine Art at Hampden-Sydney College). “Asterisks is even more impressive when one considers how quickly it was organized after the exhibitions we originally had on our calendar were postponed due to the impacts and uncertainties of the Covid-19 pandemic,” LCVA executive director Rachel Ivers noted. “It is a testament to what can be achieved when we work together, and speaks to the effectiveness of the arts in addressing present-day issues facing all of us.”
The artists in Asterisks in the Grand Narrative of History use diverse strategies to address questions of how artists interrogate history, and to resist and remake historical narratives in pursuit of a more just world. These artists draw on a variety of sources, including pop culture, family photos, and government archives to illuminate the ways individual stories and historical forces are intertwined. Artists on view include: Marisa Williamson, Jason Patterson, Becci Davis, Anina Major, Amir George, Zora J Murff, Kieran Myles-Andrés Tverbakk, and Richard-Jonathan Nelson. Amir George’s video works are on view at The Gallery at Brinkley Hall at Hampden-Sydney College. “We are excited to collaborate with LCVA to bring Simple and Steinkraus’ thoughtful curatorial vision to the community. Now more than ever it is vital that we share our resources to enrich our communities. In particular, I am looking forward to the conversations about race and our culture that rise from Amir George’s rich videos,” said Mary Prevo (Senior Lecturer and Coordinator of The Gallery at Hampden-Sydney College).