Artist Statement
I was born and raised in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina- a tourist town. My environment consisted of bright neon billboard advertisements, kitschy souvenir shops, and endless amounts of food. Everything is over the top. The vivid colors, the meal portions, the size of the attractions, and those employed there are larger than life. Every summer season visitors crowd the city street to street. However, once late September comes around all movement stops. A ghost town emerges from the stillness.
A Glittery Facade examines the off-season of a tourist town in order to expose the lifeless and muted environment locals are left with once their space has emptied. The absence of lively visitors and activity provokes questions of time and decadence through the documentation of vacant attractions. Captured in the images are what remains during the month of November in Myrtle Beach. Businesses close yet their vibrant exteriors still exist. Text paired with each individual image invites viewers to have an additional sensory experience that is reminiscent of the smells present in this environment as well.
Welcome to Myrtle Beach
Ferris Wheel
Superslide
Coin Fountain
Cotton Candy Stand
A Swan Pedal Boat
A Bevy of Swan Pedal Boats
Cherry Gummy
Broadway at the Beach Skyline
The Fudgery
Ice Cream Wrapper
Beachwear Store
Tropical Breeze Stand
Pretzel Stand
Professional Henna Tattoo Shop