Stan Squerewell’s mixed-media collages inject gorgeous color into anonymous historical photos — Colossal

Nothing sparks the imagination more than seeing a bunch of old photos. We looked for text on the back and scanned anonymous faces to read a range of expressions. Where exactly were they at that moment, what brought them together that day, and who took the photo? For Stan Squirewell, the allure of historical portraiture is a core tenet of his multimedia practice.

In large-scale mixed-media collages, the artist begins with black-and-white photographs, often taken a century or more ago. He placed special emphasis on portraits of black people, whether grouped together or individually posed. Some of the works begin as formal portraits in the studio, while others have more of a snapshot quality. On their clothes, Squirewell collaged fabric patterns, paint, and glitter to bring the past into the present.

Squerewell’s current solo exhibition, Robitussin, hot comb and grease Delve deeper into black identity and everyday experiences at the Plattsburgh State Museum of Art. The title pays homage to the ubiquitous object as “an icon of black family domesticity and comfort,” with a focus on “restoring identity from historical anonymity,” according to the museum.

Squirewell obtained the photos from the Smithsonian Institution’s anonymous photo collection as well as from family and friends. Through the intimate medium of portraiture, anonymous individuals emerge from archives and are imbued with lively textile patterns, while established luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton and Gucci suggest exalted style and status. Scale also comes into play, as Squerewell printed the photo quite large, blurring features in the process but showing the figures closer to life-size so their presence is obvious.

Robitussin, hot comb and grease The event will last until December 5th. Plan your visit on the museum website and find more of the artist’s work on Instagram.