Ellen Bepp: The Ghosts We Carry

Ellen Bepp: The Ghosts We Carry
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, 12-5 pm or by appointment.

Artist’s Talk: Saturday October 31st, starting at 2 pm

Addressing ideas of identity, cultural preservation and social justice, Ellen Bepp’s mixed media work in The Ghosts We Carry reflects on the experience and legacy of a difficult period in our American history, WWII incarceration camps and their aftermath, with a keen awareness of current events.

More than 120,000 people of Japanese descent were remanded to these camps in a wave of fear that swept America in response to attacks on Pearl Harbor, including Heart Mountain in Wyoming, where Bepp’s family was incarcerated.​

Incorporating fragments of familial writing, traditional textiles, imbedded text and Japanese imagery, Bepp’s work reflects on the xenophobia, racial slurs and casual taunts aimed at Asian Americans as well as the pain and despair of the camps. Beyond the fear and loss, emerges the powerful story of resilience and perseverance that sustained detainees through their experience and in resuming their place as autonomous citizens. A thoughtful examination of the work, standing with the elemental history of the objects and absorbing the words, honors that journey.

All are welcome to join us for Ellen Bepp’s Artist’s Talk, Saturday, October 31st starting at 2 pm.

While you’re in the gallery check out the concurrent solo exhibition with more art to see in our the gallery showroom.