JOSHUA GOODE: THE RUINS OF BURG WORTH
AUTOBIOGRAPHY
As an artist I am researching and developing mythic historical misinterpretations and manipulations in an effort to expose the malleability of our past, present and future.
My alternate history and mythology preserve memories of childhood by reimagining objects and imagery from my youth as iconic ancient artifacts. I created the fictitious Texas based Aurora – Rhoman civilization inspired by the achievements of major historical figures. Having studied history and worked as an archaeologist on many actual excavations, I conduct staged excavations around the world, working with the community as a performance.
EXHIBITION DATES: March 25, 2023–April 29, 2023
Goode’s first show at the gallery will feature a collection of created artifacts and remnants of an “ancient” past, while incorporating elements of performance art and an interactive installation. THE RUINS OF BURG WORTH is a reimagined history of Fort Worth– one where our city sits upon an ancient fortress both destroyed and preserved by the eruption of Eagle Mountain. By creating sarcophagi and various remains reminiscent of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., Goode creates a new and imagined world that is full of extinct animals, objects, and artifacts. He challenges what we have learned throughout history in his development of these fictitious civilizations. Through his own research of local culture and his experience in the archaeological field, Goode aims to expose “the malleability of our past, present and future” and the ease at which history can be distorted.