Broadside Spotlight
End of the Line by Chandler O'Leary and Jessica Spring
Those of you familiar with Feminist Broadside series by Chandler O'Leary and Jessica Spring will appreciate the common thread that runs through their thought provoking work. According to the artists, this particular series "has given us an outlet for both our aspirations and frustrations. For every social and political victory, there follows a reminder of how divided we are as a culture. Yet through it all we remain optimistic that art can make a difference—that a bright future is out there, somewhere, and that we can help find the way to it. This is why we chose Harriet Tubman for our latest piece."
Rather than try to speak to the many current societal issues, O'Leary and Spring chose to articulate the many journeys we are all taking. Pulling from the inspiration of Harriet Tubman who lived by the code that we must all work together, End of the Line came to fruition. Harriet Tubman fought for freedom and civil rights, and was committed to the idea that "You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
Rather than try to speak to the many current societal issues, O'Leary and Spring chose to articulate the many journeys we are all taking. Pulling from the inspiration of Harriet Tubman who lived by the code that we must all work together, End of the Line came to fruition. Harriet Tubman fought for freedom and civil rights, and was committed to the idea that "You have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world."
End of the Line is a technical masterpiece. Everything—from the illustrated lettering to the letterpress printing—is done completely by hand. The viewer, though, is compelled to take a difficult journey as well. Symbolizing the long, tentative route to freedom experienced by so many, the reader will be guided from south to north, illuminated by Tubman's lantern. If you lose your way, as the slaves sometimes did, seek out the Drinkin’ Gourd (Big Dipper) and the right path will present itself.
Broadsided! The Intersection of Art and Literature is showing through the month of October at 23 Sandy Gallery. Stop in soon to pick up your copy of End of the Line. This one is selling fast!
Image credits: End of the Line © Chandler O'Leary and Jessica Spring
Broadsided! The Intersection of Art and Literature is showing through the month of October at 23 Sandy Gallery. Stop in soon to pick up your copy of End of the Line. This one is selling fast!
Image credits: End of the Line © Chandler O'Leary and Jessica Spring