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Extreme South Virginia: Matheson Hooker, a Portrait of a Region

Kendall Ward

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Nestled in the far southwestern corner of Virginia, Extreme South Virginia is a land of stark beauty and hidden depths. This remote and often-overlooked region is home to a vibrant and unique culture, shaped by its history, geography, and the people who have made it their home.

Extreme South

by Virginia Matheson Hooker

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Matheson Hooker, A Portrait Of The Artist In Her Studio. Extreme South Virginia Matheson Hooker

One of the most distinctive voices to emerge from Extreme South Virginia is that of artist Matheson Hooker. Hooker's work, which spans painting, sculpture, photography, and installation, is a powerful and evocative exploration of her region's people, places, and stories.

Through her art, Hooker captures the essence of Extreme South Virginia, its beauty and its challenges, its resilience and its spirit. She brings to light the voices of the often-marginalized, and she challenges us to see our world from a new perspective.

The Land

Extreme South Virginia is a region of extremes. The landscape is a patchwork of mountains and valleys, forests and fields, rivers and streams. The climate is unforgiving, with hot, humid summers and cold, snowy winters.

The region is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life. The forests are filled with oak, hickory, and maple trees, and the mountains are home to black bears, bobcats, and white-tailed deer. The rivers and streams are teeming with fish, and the skies are filled with birds.

The land of Extreme South Virginia is both beautiful and unforgiving. It is a place where people have struggled to survive for centuries. But it is also a place of great resilience and beauty.

The People

The people of Extreme South Virginia are a diverse group, but they share a common bond of resilience and independence. Many of the region's residents are descended from farmers and miners, and the work ethic of their ancestors is still evident today.

The people of Extreme South Virginia are also known for their strong sense of community. They are quick to help their neighbors in times of need, and they are proud of their region and its unique culture.

A Panoramic View Of The Extreme South Virginia Landscape, With Mountains, Valleys, And Forests. Extreme South Virginia Matheson Hooker — A panoramic view of the Extreme South Virginia landscape, with mountains, valleys, and forests. (Image courtesy of Virginia Tourism.)

The Culture

The culture of Extreme South Virginia is a blend of Appalachian, Southern, and African-American influences. The region's music, food, and art are all unique expressions of this rich cultural heritage.

One of the most distinctive features of Extreme South Virginia culture is its music. The region is home to a variety of traditional music genres, including bluegrass, old-time, and gospel. Many of the region's musicians are self-taught, and their music is often passed down from generation to generation.

The food of Extreme South Virginia is also unique and flavorful. The region is known for its barbecue, fried chicken, and cornbread. Local farmers grow a variety of fruits and vegetables, and the region is also home to a number of small-scale food producers.

The art of Extreme South Virginia is as diverse as its people and culture. The region's artists work in a variety of media, from painting and sculpture to photography and installation. Many of the region's artists are inspired by the land and people of Extreme South Virginia, and their work often reflects the region's unique spirit.

Matheson Hooker

Matheson Hooker was born in Extreme South Virginia in 1961. She grew up in the region and attended Virginia Commonwealth University, where she studied painting and sculpture. After graduating from VCU, Hooker returned to Extreme South Virginia, where she has lived and worked ever since.

Hooker's work is a powerful and evocative exploration of her region's people, places, and stories. She uses a variety of media to create her art, including painting, sculpture, photography, and installation. Her work is often site-specific, and she often collaborates with local communities on her projects.

Hooker's art has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world. She has received numerous awards for her work, including the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship.

An Installation By Matheson Hooker, Featuring A Series Of Photographs Of Local Residents. Extreme South Virginia Matheson Hooker

Extreme South Virginia is a land of stark beauty and hidden depths. It is a region of contrasts, where poverty and affluence, beauty and despair, exist side by side.

Matheson Hooker's art captures the essence of Extreme South Virginia, its beauty and its challenges, its resilience and its spirit. She brings to light the voices of the often-marginalized, and she challenges us to see our world from a new perspective.

Hooker's work is a powerful reminder of the importance of art in our lives. Art can help us to understand ourselves and our world better. It can inspire us to create change and to make a difference in the world.

Extreme South

by Virginia Matheson Hooker

4.7 out of 5