In Parting Gifts, artist Katina Bitsicas reflects on her family legacy, specifically, what is left behind after the deaths of loved ones. Bitsicas uses old photographs and a selection of family heirlooms, adding in audio, mapped video, and projections to create new media works that provide an immersive experience for viewers. Family history and how material culture and memories are preserved, passed down, and interpreted, and Bitsicas’ Greek heritage, are the basis of the installation. Bitsicas describes her work as a “reflection on what is ephemeral versus what is permanent, and how we can make the ephemeral permanent through artistic reinterpretation to leave a lasting legacy.” 

Parting Gifts is on view through December 22, 2024. Find out about related programming by visiting the MA&A’s calendar of events here.

About the Artist: 
Katina Bitsicas is an associate professor of digital storytelling in the University of Missouri’s School of Visual Studies.

Images courtesy of the artist.