SITE SUSPICIOUS

We all traverse the urban fabric of Milwaukee, but each of us has private stories in shared places and public spaces. Whether our experiences are historic fact, personal memories, urban myths, rumors or outright fictions, the commonly overlooked material – street corners, buildings, alleys, sidewalks and cultural icons of common concrete, stone and flora – reveal little to the less observant.

“…the human condition is characterized by a feedback loop between human activity and our material surroundings… “ – Tevor Paglen

In Site Suspicious, a group of young artists has unearthed a past rich with unanswered questions about what we see in front of us everyday. The works presented ask for a detective’s eye. How does the past coexist with the present? Join us on this two part journey – an exhibition of small artworks inspired by well known and lesser known places in Milwaukee at BOONE & CROCKETT, and a Pecha Kucha performance of our research findings into heretofore untold Milwaukee stories at HOTEL FOSTER.

Allen Bradley Clock Tower – Jeff Brennan, Travis Hale & Kyle Seis

Recently our landmark lost the title as the world’s largest four-sided clock to one erected in Dubai. Was more lost than just the competition for prestige?

Blue Dress Park – Jake Platt & Phillip Johnson

What is this strange, empty triangular space of concrete at the north end of the Holton Street Bridge? Why is it the scene of celebration?

The Italian Third Ward – Elaina Johann & Michelle Zealy

As we know it today, the Third Ward is a hip contemporary scene bustling with culture. But it’s Italian past is much darker and more complex.

Dairy Industry – Chia Chang & Rachel Evans

Wisconsin has been hailed as the dairy state. In Milwaukee before FDA regulations were enacted, Gridley was the biggest. What went wrong?

Northpoint Water Tower –  Joelle Swanson & Mikayla Husting

This icon isn’t really a water tower. Why are we not allowed inside? What’s the story?

Kenilworth Building, UWM – Lauren Mattes & Stephanie Kovach

The year was 1973. What mysterious research were UWM Biology students conducting in the basement? What has been unearthed by new construction?

Milwaukee’s Great Fire – Sheena Hang & Kate Kinser

In 1892 a fire of epic proportions leveled Milwaukee’s Third Ward. Its cause is still a mystery. What evidence has been kept secret all these years?

Jones Island – Maeve Jackson & Dakota Whitehurst

Milwaukee’s current industrial port was once home to a vibrant Kaschubian fishing village, an island of shanties with its own mayor. What is the real story about happened?

Evangelical Church of the Ascension – Erin Krembs & Madeline Frank

In the shadow of the Allen Bradley Clock Tower stands a tiny church with a sordid past. Is that past really in the past?

The answers are out there….                                                  

attend the PECHA KUCHA

November 8 – 7:00pm           

HOTEL FOSTER

2028 East North Avenue

Milwaukee, WI