Collection of local artwork opens in Capers Hall

The Citadel’s School of Humanities and Social Sciences has acquired four Lowcountry landscape photographs to launch its new collection of work by contemporary South Carolina artists. 

“Landscape Abstract #12255, Palmetto Island,” is part of a series called “paintings from a camera” in which the edges of the sea and sky in the photograph photo are blurred into fields of saturated color. .

Initiated by Bo Moore, the dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, this project grew from a desire to improve the aesthetic and educational environment in Capers Hall, the building where students take many of their core classes.

“Art enhances understanding of the human experience and, thus, improves the college’s ability to achieve its mission: To prepare and motivate students to be informed and principled leaders in a wide variety of pursuits,” Moore said.

The collection was made possible with support from Samuel M. Hines Jr., dean and provost of the college, and adjunct professor Tiffany Silverman, who oversaw the artwork selection and installation. Funding was provided by The Citadel Foundation and the artists. 

“Bridge to Lady’s Island, Beaufort” is one of three in a collection of black and white landscape photographs by Julia Cart.

Artwork in the collection in the entry of Capers Hall includes:

• “Landscape Abstract #12255, Palmetto Island,” taken at Palmetto Island County Park by Johns Island-based artist John Duckworth. Duckworth calls his series “paintings from a camera” as the edges of sea and sky are softened into fields of saturated color.
• “Oyster Factory, Edisto Island,” “Kings Highway, Edisto Island,” and “Bridge to Lady’s Island, Beaufort” is a collection of black and white landscape photographs by Julia Cart, a fine art photographer known for her work documenting the vanishing past of the Lowcountry. 

With hope that these four photographs are the first of more acquisitions, Moore expects that students will gain a broader perspective of the South Carolina Lowcountry.