Been Here is a multi-channel installation that showcases Bartram’s Garden’s neighbors and friends as they perform everyday acts of art and movement, highlighting the creative power that has long existed in these communities. The triptych Been Here, originally inspired by Chris Ofili’s The Blue Riders, features nighttime footage filmed in slow motion at Bartram’s Garden. Accompanying the triptych is the experimental documentary Witness, a contemplative collage of audio interviews and daylight activities that explore relationships between place and self. Been Here features poetry by Sophia Poe, rhyme by Nyfease Sims, and the drumline Second To None.

Been Here, directed by Marie Alarcon, is a cornerstone project for BARETEETH‘s eight-month Southwest Roots Residency at Bartram’s Garden, in collaboration with Alarcon and multimedia artist Ash Richards.

Friday, September 29
6–9 p.m. – Opening reception

Saturday, September 30
2–6 p.m. – Open gallery hours with the artists

Sunday, October 1
2–6 p.m. – Open gallery hours with the artists

Tuesday, October 3
5–8 p.m. – Open gallery hours with the artists

Wednesday, October 4
10 a.m.–noon – Open gallery hours with the artists

All events are free and everyone is welcome.

Southwest Roots is supported by a creative placemaking grant from ArtPlace America, and is a companion project of Art@Bartram’s, a multi-year initiative begun in 2015 focused on the development and production of public art projects in and around Bartram’s Garden, Bartram’s Mile, and the surrounding neighborhood that look to connect the public to the Schuylkill River, raise awareness of water-related environmental concerns, and promote environmental stewardship. This related body of work is supported by the William Penn Foundation.