When this Southern girl was first transplanted to the Northwest, it came as a bit of a shock to me that certain parts of the Northwest were not that much different from the South.  I’d naively assumed that all of the PacNW would be open minded, artsy, liberal places like Seattle and Portland.  Philadelphia artist Kim Alsbrooks perhaps had a similar experience while living in the South, translating her perplexity at the social structures and prejudices still prevailing in the region into her My White Trash Family series.

Lincoln, graphite and oil on found aluminum can

From the artist’s website: “The White Trash Series was developed while living in the South out of frustration with some of the prevailing ideologies, in particular, class distinction. This ideology seems to be based on a combination of myth, biased history and a bizarre sentimentality about old wars and social structures. With the juxtaposition of the portraits from museums, once painted on ivory, now on flattened trash like beer cans and fast food containers, the artist sets out to even the playing field, challenging the perception of the social elite in today’s society.”

Girl with Hand on Her Shoulder, graphite and oil on found aluminum can

Eleanor Parke Custis Lewis, graphite and oil on found aluminum can

Of course, the issue of class hierarchies is not limited to the Southern United States.  It is an issue still widespread throughout the world.  In her juxtaposition of these portraits of high societies’ past against the discards of the lower class, Alsbrooks speaks to the irony of the continuation of such antiquated beliefs.

Ameriga Vespucci, graphite and oil on found aluminum can

To see more of Kim Alsbrooks’ work, please visit her website.  Her work will be featured as part of the Parlor Gallery Group Show at SCOPE Art Fair in Miami December 4th-9th!

Artist found via Parlor Gallery.  All images are via the artist’s website.