Exhibit: Recycled Renewed Repurposed by Kate Brogdon - W-9, July 10 - August 2, 2026.
Location: W-9
On View: July 10 - August 2, 2026
Opening Reception: July 11, 2026, Saturday 6 - 9pm
Each piece in “Recycled Renewed Repurposed” has been recreated anew from packaging and the Kate Brogdon’s previous work as a visual exploration of thinking and evolution. Arches Gallery presents her solo feature from 10 July until 2 August at the Workhouse Art Center.
The title suggests nothing is truly finished. It goes beyond adding new value through a second life into reincarnating old things into a larger picture by becoming once again raw materials. Reconsidering what is thrown away to build meaningful things from what is no longer useful is more of a metaphor for lines of thought and less an admonition or call to action.
While repurposing reduces what is no longer relevant, or adapts after loss or change, it is also a creative reaction to the unexpected and unplanned. In this updated context, old images create new and sometimes surreal stories. Shifting outdated ideas to more suitable modes of thinking is maybe the best example of recycling and it is a measure of success when we forget where we began, quickly adopting the new versions.
The installation “Following lines of thought” continues the renewal idea with repurposed photo drops surrounded by sparks of light in a chandelier of old and faux materials. It is not in an expected form; however, it coalesces into a truly new version of a very old thing.
“I continue to explore why people think as they do, using my own thoughts as the means. By remixing my original work, it creates new layers of meaning and uncovers fresh ideas. ”
Kate Brogdon was born in Vienna, Austria, and grew up across the United States. She has lived in multiple countries, each place leaving its mark on her imagery and ideas. After earning her bachelor’s degree at the University of Virginia, she served 25 years as an active duty Marines and other diverse professional paths, while continuing her artistic studies. Her work has been exhibited across Southern California, Virginia and virtual platforms. Kate currently lives and works in Virginia.