Arranged like fowls in flight, 1,400 newspapers hang from the 20-foot ceiling at the University of Memphis art museum. The gaggle of Jonesboro Sun front-page papers partially eclipses light fixtures and casts large bird shaped shadows over the white walls and main exhibit floor.
The flock is only the first part in John Salvest's exhibition Disappearing Ink, which attempts to take visitors through a nostalgic trip in printed media.Leslie Luebbers, director at the art museum, said.
"Our theme for the show is things people kept and cherish," Luebbers said. "John brought up the idea of using newspapers, because that is something people have been collecting for all these years. So, we put out a call for people to bring out their clippings that held special meaning."
Front page papers, periodical clippings, magazine covers and other forms of printed media were brought in by community members. Each person also included a letter explaining the memories attached to their artifact-some dating as far back as the 1930's.
"We photographed them holding their piece and audio recorded some of them explaining its personal significance," Luebbers said. "Every object will be framed and have a number attached to it, so that visitors can read the story on a card or listen to the story on the computers located in the corners. We want to maintain that personal feel."
The exhibit also calls attention to the phasing out of physical media, Luebbers said. As news moves more to being online, the moments in time captured by a front page paper will also be lost she said.
"So his idea is that the papers are flying way," Luebbers said while pointing to the suspended periodicals. "But all of the pages belong to the artist, Salvest. This is only four years' worth."
Eric Bork, exhibit specialist for the museum, said he worked to make Salvest's vision come to life-which meant hanging all birds up one at time. Bork admitted that staying in touch with artist could be challenging at times as Salvest chooses not to own a cell phone, Bork said.
"He is not a tech person," Bork said. "But it just adds more legitimacy to what he is getting at with the show. Newspapers are diminishing, and he wants to bring attention to it."
Salvest, who lives in Jonesboro Arkansas, reads the local newspaper every day. The birds on display come from his personal collection which he has neatly preserved for over 20 years.
"The flock really sets the mood for the rest of the exhibit," Salvest said. "You might notice the strong smell of printed ink when you walk in to the main room. I love that."
In a world obsessed with technology, Salvest said that not being chained to the constant ringing of a cellphone allows him to enjoy his time alone, whether if it is around town or working in his studio. He also expressed concern about the advance in the digital age.
"I hope we can reach a balance between online and print," Salvest said. "I believe there are a lot of people who enjoy flipping through the paper so I think physical papers will find a home."
Disappearing Ink opens Friday April 4 and stays until June 28 at the University of Memphis Art Museum located in the Communication and Fine Art building. Admission is free. Salvest will give a guided tour explaining the meaning of his work at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday.
