“Notes (Foot & Otherwise)” by Teresa Bramlette Reeves
Teresa Bramlette Reeves, Installation view of Notes( Foot & Otherwise), 2025
After researching and learning about what Reeves has done, I consider Teresa a living treasure. She lives in Athens, Georgia. After she got her BFA from the University of Georgia, her MFA from Virginia Commonwealth University, and her Ph.D. Art History, University of Georgia. She has been working and exhibiting in numerous places, including the Art Fair in Cologne, Germany, the Information Gallery in New York, NY, and Remainders at the Jersey City Museum in NJ, and for ten years at Georgia State University. In addition to her work, her way of thinking is remarkable. Let me share with you guys specifically “Notes (Foot and Otherwise)”, which is currently exhibiting in Whitespace Gallery.
Teresa Bramlette Reeves, Left: "Yours Truly", 2025
Right: "I Think What Mom Did Was Mean", 2025
Teresa’s is all about time, change, and aging. When she tells us about current show also gives us an example from her last solo show which Through Alice (of Wonderland recognition), existing a much grownup kind of a woman who goes down the “rabbit hole,” check around and then agrees that she doesn’t want to be there (the “there” means her last periods of life). She turns to plan her way out, but all her plans fail. It was intended to be somewhat humorous, while still addressing the issue of aging. The work in this show is also planned as a reflection of the aging process, but quite different than being about battle, it is more about watching transformation with notes, signs, and her textured clothes. Clothes are her materials and language for this show, which gives the idea of repairing something, stitching, and patching. Useless vs. recycling or aging vs. recreation with what we have remaining. For showing this idea, clothes are the best material to showcase a new, old, textured, patched, or stitched look. It makes me think, what does she try to repair? And the answer comes from the title. Teresa states that the title echoes a lifetime of communication and saving journals, as well as an increasing dependence on notes and reminders. Therefore, the reference to today, yesterday, and tomorrow in her statement.
Teresa Bramlette Reeves, Installation view of Notes( Foot & Otherwise), 2025
One of my favorite pieces is “Abstract Language.” Looks like she combined blue fabrics and tried to write or draw something with white lace. What does Teresa mean by that? As a visual artist, she says she puts her observations into her works. The title, themes, and marks of her demonstration connect the past, present, and future. How memory identifies the present and how we either create or fail to plan for it. Teresa’s use of records, handwritings, and pieces of writing mirrors the way we try to cling to memory as it starts to slide. Instead of being miserable, Teresa’s pieces suggest that aging isn’t something to fight but rather something to notice, adjust to, and come to terms with. Instead of showing fight, she shows change, like a body or life that has transformed, but still embraces loveliness and sense. Especially her work titles made me feel the aura of her work. At some point, I started to think she was talking to me, and I took it as advice. For example, “It Doesn’t Matter How Often I Say It” - it does sound like a sentence when we communicate, rather than an artwork title. I would say that this exhibition prompts thought. If you want to understand, check the title twice and try to read the marks, or try to see the letters that she gave us. Teresa knows time flies, and she tries to say to us, “Hey folks! Wake up! You will see yourself from my point of view soon.” I say this is a vision.
In today’s language, I would say that Teresa reminds us that getting older isn't a tragedy but rather a fashion announcement. Every piece has a story to tell, every stitch connects a secret, and the worn fabrics reveal a tale. They do a better job of wearing time than most of us. Teresa's texts are a kind of disruption—a reminder that there is beauty in the untying—in a society passionate about youth. So, sweetheart, don't worry about taking notes or losing them. Even the cruelest items may pull attention, just like the “Notes (Foot & Otherwise). And in the end, dear Atlantans, when you can see Teresa’s work visually, it is May- the weather is perfect, grab a coffee, and come by Whitespace Gallery to make your day. You will not regret it. Who even regrets seeing an amazing, meaningful artwork?
Teresa Bramlette Reeves, Installation view of Notes( Foot & Otherwise), 2025
