A Studio Steeped in Heritage
Allison Janae Hamilton’s studio in Chelsea, Manhattan, is more than just a space for creativity—it’s a sanctuary of memories, a bridge between the past and the present. Every time she steps into her studio, she is greeted by the silent presence of seven generations of women from her family. These women, whose lives were intertwined with the land of her family’s farm in Carroll County, Tennessee, are not just ancestors; they are the inspiration behind her art. Hamilton, a 40-year-old artist who transitioned from a career in fashion to creating paintings, films, and installations, draws heavily from her Southern roots. Her work is deeply influenced by the landscapes of the American South, but it is her family’s history that truly fuels her creativity.
Over the years, Hamilton has meticulously digitized copies of ancestral records—letters, yearbooks, handwritten recipes, and photographs—that were stored in boxes and albums on the family farm. These artifacts, some of which date back to the 1800s, are more than just relics of the past; they are a testament to the lives of generations who lived, worked, and thrived on the same land. Among these records are significant historical documents, such as her grandfather’s World War I draft card and an 1860 “slave schedule,” an official government record of enslaved people. These documents provide a poignant reminder of the complex and painful history of her family and the nation.
Yet, it is the photographs that hold the most emotional weight for Hamilton. Dozens of these images, many framed in vintage settings, hang on the walls of her studio, watching over her as she works. They depict relatives on the farm, tending to animals, raising children, and living their daily lives. These photographs are not just static images; they are windows into the lives of her ancestors, offering glimpses of their joys, struggles, and resilience. For Hamilton, being surrounded by these images is akin to tapping into a shared frequency—a connection that transcends time and space.
The Power of Photographic Legacy
Photography plays a central role in Hamilton’s collection, serving as both a personal archive and a creative muse. Her studio is adorned with nearly four dozen photographs, many of which are housed in vintage frames that add to their antiquated charm. These images are more than just decorative; they are a constant source of inspiration for her work. Even projects that seem unrelated to her family’s history, such as her recent exhibition featuring celestial paintings at the Marianne Boesky Gallery in New York, bear the subtle influence of these photographs. For instance, the shape of clouds in one of her paintings echoes the silhouette of a group photo of her family, a testament to how deeply her heritage informs her art.
Hamilton’s collection of family photographs and artifacts is not just a reflection of her own identity but also a celebration of the enduring legacy of her ancestors. The photographs, in particular, serve as a visual narrative of her family’s history, capturing moments that might otherwise be lost to time. They remind her of the strength and resilience of the women who came before her, many of whom lived and died on the same land. This deep connection to her roots is evident in her work, which often explores themes of history, memory, and the African American experience.
Threads of Connection Through Artifacts
Hamilton’s collection extends far beyond photographs, encompassing over 1,000 original documents and photographs stored on the family farm and in the homes of her relatives. These artifacts include letters, yearbooks, handwritten recipes, and even love notes, each offering a unique glimpse into the lives of her ancestors. Her first acquisition was her mother’s high school yearbook photo, on which her mother had written her aspirations of becoming a fashion buyer and living in a big city. Though her mother remained in the South, Hamilton’s own life took a different path, as she moved to New York and pursued a career in both fashion and art.
The latest addition to her collection is a photograph of her great-great-great-grandmother Piney, which her mother found while building a storm shelter at her grandmother’s house. This discovery was especially meaningful for Hamilton, who was pregnant with her daughter at the time—a daughter who would become the seventh girl in a line of strong, independent women. Among the more unusual items in her collection is a love note from her father to her mother, written in the language of the 1970s. The note, which playfully asks, “Do I knock you out?” is a lighthearted reminder of the love and humor that have been woven into her family’s history.
Echoes of the Past in Creative Expression
Hamilton’s collection is not just a repository of memories; it is a living, breathing part of her artistic process. The artifacts and photographs that fill her studio serve as a constant reminder of her heritage, influencing the themes and imagery in her work. Even when her projects seem to veer away from the personal, such as her celestial paintings, they are still imbued with the spirit of her family’s history. The silhouettes of clouds in her paintings, for example, bear an uncanny resemblance to the shapes of her family members in old photographs. This interplay between the past and the present is a hallmark of her art, as she seeks to honor her ancestors while exploring the universal themes of memory, identity, and resilience.
The connection between Hamilton’s collection and her art is not merely symbolic; it is deeply intuitive. She describes the experience of being surrounded by these images and artifacts as “tapping into a frequency,” a way of accessing the collective memory and energy of her ancestors. This connection is particularly evident in her portrayal of strong, independent women, a theme that resonates deeply with her own experiences and those of the women in her family.
A Living Legacy of Family and Art
Among the most treasured items in Hamilton’s collection are the portraits of her four great-grandmothers. These portraits, which are strikingly similar in composition and orientation, are more than just images; they are totems, symbols of the strength and resilience that have defined her family for generations. They serve as a reminder of the women who came before her, whose lives were shaped by the land, their labor, and their unwavering determination. These portraits, like the rest of her collection, are not just artifacts of the past; they are a living legacy, one that continues to inspire and guide her as she navigates her own path as an artist and a mother.
Hamilton’s journey through her family’s history is ongoing, as she continues to uncover new artifacts and piece together the stories of her ancestors. There is still much to discover, such as the rumored midwifery papers of her great-great-great-grandmother Piney, who delivered many of her grandmother’s siblings. These papers, if they exist, would be a profound addition to her collection, offering yet another layer of insight into the lives of the women who shaped her family’s history.
In the end, Hamilton’s collection is more than just a gathering of objects; it is a testament to the enduring power of family, history, and art. Through her work, she ensures that the stories of her ancestors are not forgotten, but are instead brought to life in ways that resonate with audiences today. As she continues to create, surrounded by the photographs and artifacts of her family’s past, she carries on a legacy that is both deeply personal and universally relatable.
