PETER J. KETCHUM GENERAL STATEMENT
Most of my work is about personal and societal attitudes as reflected in pre-1950s ephemera: found photos, ads, menus, letters, diaries, book covers, matchbooks and, particularly, postcards . Mass production of this ephemera underscores the broad acceptance of and interest in the inherent content. Before "political correctness," society happily perpetuated stereotypes unchecked. This is seen in the materials produced about women, Jews, People of Color, Native Americans, fat people, gay people, Arabs, and other minorities--usually for a laugh.
In little bits and pieces of printed matter, negative views were approved and bought at the cash register, sent worldwide through the mails, and displayed at home. These popular images helped shape popular attitudes about beauty, woman's work, body image, social acceptability, cultural mythology, urban legends, masculinity, sex, measures of success and morality. The longevity of intolerance was --and is-- visually evident.
My work also explores perpetuated cultural myths and lies: war as a given, for one. It looks at the power of sports heroes and internet influencers. It spotlights military, religious, and political leaders and wonders about their misadventures with truth and morality. In my work, I question our moral standards as reflected in our icons and popular imagery.
I wonder if our societal soul is nothing more than a tee shirt slogan or a meme or an Ebay collectible. Will the coke bottle be the fossil index of modern culture. Will Facebook and Instagram be our Dead Sea scrolls and a historian's primary sources? Are the bits and pieces of pop culture true milestones in our trip from here to there, or barriers to a meaningful journey? I hope not, but fear so.