We’ll Be Right Back
“we’ll be right back” is an immersive art installation incorporating ceramic sculpture and photography.
Pollocksville, North Carolina was submerged under four feet of water for six days from Hurricane Florence in 2018. In the late summer heat, mold grew rampantly once the floodwaters receded. Homes bore undeniable evidence of the Category Four storm, the water damaging anything porous below the floodline, creating an organic wainscotting in an otherwise undisturbed home. They thought they’d be right back.
When the evacuation warnings come we prioritize or panic; moving valuables to higher shelves and forgetting the little things for the go-bag. Will the water actually get to where we are? Should we worry about the breakfast dishes or just get out? The sandbags at the door will probably hold fine and I’m sure we’ll be right back…
Natural disasters continue to heavily impact our country, devastating often underserved communities repeatedly. In the news, we hear about these disasters and the aftermath for about six weeks. Six weeks of companies pledging part of their profits for flood relief. “Donate now!” Six weeks of hearing local residents recount their emotional experiences as flood waters rose or wildfires gained ground. Six weeks of politicians saying their thoughts and prayers are with the affected communities.
Houston Strong. Rockport Strong. New Bern Strong. Kerrville Strong.
And the newscaster says that “We’ll be right back after these messages…”
The artist invites viewers to sit on the couch in front of the impacted coffee table; a familiar space heavily impacted by flood. What’s on your coffee table at home? What could be saved if the floods came? What would you lose?
