I recently came across the art of sally mankus photographer, sculptor, mixed media and installation artist, originally from georgia, she now lives in florida.
Her interest in and concentration on the discarded or decayed remnants of domestic life - simple, small town, thrifty, make-do, and depressed - intrigues me. Her artwork is so beautifully - delicately yet intensely - presented it imbuses objects or environments on the edge of being forgotten forever with an importance, a history and a pride that... why should they not deserve?
This tower of baking pans for example.. (part of an installation you can see more of and even hear a soundtrack, here). I have a few of these, and have discarded many (usually when moving) that just seem too ruined, greasy and burnt to bother with. They're never going to be the thing one wants to pour that rare, Martha or Julia or seasonal or farm fresh egg inspired batter into... just not photo ready. Yet you can replace them with new ones, fresh and non-stick (I know.... carcenegenic??) but give it a year and somehow they look like the faces in ads that need dark aging spot dramatic results. Subjectively, personally, they represent neglect. But objectively, found discarded they hint at a history - a female history, a domestic history, of hope or care or pride or trying...
And then these photos of - one? or many? - abandoned houses. Her approach - soft yet enamel-like in their richness of contrast - bring so many emotions and associations to mind: sadness, heartbreak, fright, reverence they are true beauty and art. She has honed her way of presenting the decayed/discarded/abandoned/creepy/disgusting? to a height of importance, existance that anyone - any woman trying to make a life, a home into something of substance and pride. Honoring the anonymous.
Anyway.. obviously I am really touched by her work. See her website to see more..