Season 1 Episode 2

In this episode, Hernease speaks with artists Savannah Wood and Aaron Turner. As residents, Aaron came to VSW from Fayetteville, AK in July 2020. Savannah came to VSW in November 2021 from Baltimore, MD. Savannah and Aaron speak together about their work in the archive and how they met through the archive - specifically, through one important historic image.

We’ve included reference links to the works Savannah and Aaron discussed in their conversation, including a link to the photographic works over which their paths crossed.

Savannah and Aaron are artists with distinct practices that involve rigorous research and deep emotional connections with history. We are happy to share this conversation about their practices and their time during the VSW Project Space Residency.

You can find the transcript for this episode here https://www.vsw.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Episode-2-Savannah-Wood-and-Aaron-Turner.pdf


The Photograph Reference:
https://media.defense.gov/2012/Feb/09/2000179975/2000/2000/0/120209-F-ZZ999-001.JPG

Caption: Airmen of the 332nd, from left to right: Robert W. Williams, William H. Holloman, Ronald W. Reeves, Christopher W. Newman and Walter M. Downs listen to a briefing in March 1945. Photo by Toni Frissell


The Photograph from Aaron Turner’s series, Black Alchemy:

Title: Served with Distinction continued (WWII, Tuskegee 332nd), 2020
https://www.aaronturner.studio/black-alchemy-if-this-one-thing-is-true#19


Savannah Woods Video Reference:

Title: Hard to Get and Dear Paid For, ongoing
https://www.savannahwood.info/hard-to-get

Find Savannah Wood
https://www.savannahwood.info/about
https://www.afrocharities.org
https://afro.com

Find Aaron Turner
https://www.aaronturner.studio
https://www.aaronturner.studio/photographers-of-color
https://bookstore.vsw.org/product/there-may-still-be-time-left-by-aaron-turner


More About VSW Project Space
https://www.vsw.org/exhibitions/projectspace/