Visions of Us | Southern Illinois Portraits by Paul Elledge
Visions of Us | Southern Illinois Portraits by Paul Elledge
September 9 - December 13, 2025
Visions of Us is a visual celebration of the idea that beneath the surface of our diverse appearances, we share a profound connection that transcends our differences. Originally shown at Cedarhurst Center for the Arts, Paul Elledge’s Vision’s of Us will be on view September 2 - December 13, 2025 here at Sharp Museum. Artist talk followed by reception will be, Saturday September 27, 2 - 6 pm.
“Visions of Us: Southern Illinois Portraits by Paul Elledge is a visual exploration that seeks to illuminate the diversity and depth of the people of southern Illinois. Inspired by the works of Chicago author Studs Terkel and by photographer August Sander’s People of the Twentieth Century, this exhibition aims to dispel the misconception that southern Illinois is merely ‘flyover country’ and instead showcases the richness and complexity of its inhabitants. Through several years of photographing this collection of portraits, my intention has been to unite the vast array of people who call southern Illinois home, celebrating their diverse points of view, lifestyles, jobs, economic situations, educations, and life experiences. This exhibition serves as a reminder that true understanding and connection can be found by focusing on our shared humanity and embracing our commonalities rather than fixating on our differences. In the spirit of Studs Terkel, Visions of Us is a tribute to the power of recognition and the importance of respecting and honoring everyone’s unique narrative. Just as Terkel dedicated himself to capturing the voices of everyday people through his writing, I endeavor to do the same through these portraits.”
~ Paul Elledge, Artist
“The strongest feature of Visions of Us is the paradoxical nature of the portrait mode itself. Portraits do not capture the whole person’s personality; but we feel, intuitively, the photograph captures something dignified about the person. Each person—no matter their ”difference”– has his or her own unique dignity. The paradoxical sign of Visions portraits can stand for the paradoxical nature of the political struggle in America today. Visions of Us brings together these two paradoxes — one of individuals, one of society as a whole— and suggests, or reminds, or posits, that this mix of culturally diverse people are how we are, how history, built this great nation. Today’s social, cultural, and political struggles are not new. It is simply the cycle of life. Visions of Us reminds us that cultural diversity built this nation on the hope and promise of democracy. Vision of Us defines the hope of renewal in the dignity of all people. Visons of Us portraits are signs of promise.”
~Rusty Freeman, Director of Visual Arts Cedarhurst Center for the Arts