Americana

"Space Program", Jonathan Wateridge

Americana- Things associated with the culture and history of America, especially the United States.

What makes something a piece of Americana depends on whom you ask. For many, the term brings up the sights and sounds of county fairs and kitschy art vendors. Others perhaps think of Art Deco and the classic styles of early to mid nineteenth century USA. You know, the times before Alaska was even a state. On the Fourth of July, the birthdate of the country and therefore all things Americana, the essence of the country is celebrated in the most American way possible: by blowing things up.

Whether you donned some red, white and blue, barbecued, and/or watched some gunpowder explode in the sky, or maybe didn't celebrate the holiday at all, we hope you can at least enjoy some art that represents modern day Americana.

Jonathan Wateridge based some of his latest paintings on the tension between reality and re-presentation. The "Another Place" series depicts of the making of an American fiction film about a large tragedy. The process is a fictional documentary of fictionalized humanity, and as such it invites the viewer to feel distant and familiar at the same time. What's more American than cop shows, blockbusters about catastrophes, and keenly observing the world from a safe distance. If you are unsure, turn on a TV (home of American Culture since after Alaska became a state) and observe for yourself.

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