In February of 2017, photographer Rachel Von’s grandfather, George Wiggin, passed away after battling dementia. Using her experience as a starting point, Von’s debut exhibition at Artlink Contemporary Gallery, presents a unique series of photography titledDementia, Death, and Dealing with Loss exploring the loss of a loved one to Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Von is a Fort Wayne, IN native, where she received her Bachelor of Fine Art in Photography from Indiana University. She is inspired by textiles, ancient art, optical art, fashion, and patterns in nature. She utilizes patterns and primary colors to create patterned backgrounds for her photography.

In this new three-part series, Von explores dementia, death, and dealing with loss. Von explores patterns in her photographs to represent feelings associated with having dementia, death, dealing with his loss and trying to recover from that loss. Dementia and Death are shot in black and white with a Holga 120 film camera. Part three, Dealing with Loss, is told in color as Von recovers and tries to focus on the brighter days ahead.

For more information on upcoming exhibitions, artists or an exhibition preview, please contact Maddie Miller, Gallery Coordinator at madison or call (260) 424-7195.

Exhibition Dates: August 11 – September 15, 2017

Opening Reception: Friday, August 11, 6 – 9 p.m.

Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 12 – 7 p.m., Sunday 12 – 4 p.m.