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May 24, 2008
© Douglas C. Towne

Gallery . . . .

Gallery Opening Advertisement

My pieces that comprise the "Lighting Up the Past" exhibit highlight independent businesses whose only remaining vestiges may be their most pedestrian wares: matchbooks, postcards and window decals. These advertisements proudly display their owner's names and feature phrases and telephone exchanges undecipherable to today's youth.

These pieces honor the largely forgotten places and the unknown artists that designed their advertisements. Supplemented by photography, maps and quotes, these advertisements are incorporated in sometimes humorous, sometimes thought-provoking compositions—all with an unexpected twist—that reflect upon changes in landscape and society.

Although nostalgia is key to these pieces, they incorporate elements of perception of place, landscape interpretation, and historical geography to explore the often hidden impacts of commercial homogenization on our communities. Today we can travel the nation—and even the world—and find the same standardized food, gas, shopping and lodging choices along the entire route. These wistful compositions remind us what we are missing with the commercial monotony.

For larger versions of the following artwork, please visit my Flickr Gallery.


Maybe Christmas Wasn't Meant To Last Forever

What's Grand About Grand Avenue

Final Last Call


The President Slept Here


No Mint on the Pillow

An Overnight Detour


Where Your Dollar Goes Farther--Literally


The Lone Diagonal In A Grid Town

A Magic Carpet Ride Sans Jet Lag


What's Up in the Duke City


Comfort Food

A Sure Bet