Baggs McKelvey

Inspired by the Robert Rauschenberg painting Opal Reunion, one of the works in the Hunter’s permanent collection, Chattanooga artist Baggs McKelvey will create a site-specific, year-long installation constructed primarily of denim. Denim is iconic in the U.S., with connotations ranging from slavery in the production of cotton and indigo dyes, to Americana and the working class, and most recently to ecological concerns as clothing is quickly made and discarded. Through her installation in the Hunter’s East Wing Art Lounge, McKelvey will help guests explore various facets of the Rauschenberg painting as well as give them an opportunity to consider environmental issues as they view her work against the backdrop of the Tennessee River flowing below.