Revisiting the Photographs of Marvin Morrison

In this exhibition photographs from longtime Gilbert farmer Marvin Morrison of Morrison Farms and found photographs from other unknown sources are re-examined by contemporary artist Gina DeGideo. In the Art Intersection East Gallery DeGideo uses images, text, and book arts to inspire a creative remembering of the Morrisons’ lives and legacy.

Artist Statement

Marvin Morrison was one of the patriarchs of the Morrison family and a vernacular photographer. Throughout his many years of farming and business, Marvin carried his camera – shooting the everyday and the significant events surrounding his daily routines of working with community leaders to improve farming operations nationally and heading up his own Morrison Farms along with his brother, Kenneth Morrison. Marvin’s images give a unique insight into a life most do not experience in today’s fast-paced world and they reveal his overwhelming dedication to the people, activities, and place of his family’s farmland.

In this exhibition I revisit the memories and experiences found in Marvin’s photographs. As a person who has experienced this land in its modern state, yet still remembers some of its history from my own experiences, I now view this place and the people here through a new lens. As a photographer, I appreciate Marvin’s willingness and fortitude to capture his insider view of farm life onto film.

I am thankful to Howard Morrison for allowing me to impress my vision onto his father’s images and to the entire Morrison family for their openness in giving me a glimpse of their family dynamics and histories.

-Gina DeGideo