GOD’S COUNTRY The Territory Ahead Landscape art- the main business of which is a rediscovery and revaluation of where we find ourselves -Robert Adams Embedded in the southern landscape are complicated narratives and dark histories, interwoven and overlapping in their themes. God’s Country: The Territory Ahead examines how landscape has the power to define identity, and how identity of place is often tied to the land itself. Over the course of five years, Southerly Gold ventured across the state of Louisiana creating a record of place, of stories stumbled upon, and a documentation of relics accessible to any wandering traveler or curious eye. The Territory Ahead is an ode to this region: to the industry and resources that are beholden to the land; to the people and places that have suffered and sacrificed in the name of prosperity; to the complex identity of place that arises in the intermingling of potential versus reality. Whether observing a sweeping vista or the minutia of found and discarded objects, certain questions remain visually rooted in the work: Why did people settle here? What did the land offer them? How has industry shaped the land and informed identity? What has been lost in the name of “progress”? Formed in 2011, Southerly Gold is an ensemble of three female photographers living and working in the city of New Orleans. The collective consists of Aubrey Edwards, Ariya Martin, and Elena Ricci. Opening Reception Friday, February 8th 6-10pm Exhibition Dates February 8th- March 3rd PLEASE NOTE: due to a Mardi Gras parade, opening reception will be held on Friday, February 8th. BOOK RELEASE PARTY Mosquito Supper Club 3824 Dryades St February 13th 6-9pm