Artist Statement
Las Vegas conjures up images of excitement, glamour and wealth. But the original Las Vegas aged and passed on, much like the “Rat Pack” that helped made it famous.
This photographic body of work celebrates memories of a heritage of greatness that now lies in a sad state of disrepair behind a locked privacy fence in stark and arid outskirts located in the un-glamorous side of “Vegas”. Captured are decades of disheveled, corroding yet still colorful haphazard displays of classic 50’s through 70’s iconic signage, graphics and fabulous font styles that are reminders of their more glorious past. In celebrating these nostalgic icons of history, the question arises: is the slick “Disney” like atmosphere of today what Vegas should be about? Should this metamorphosis be at the cost of vintage iconic Americana? Is this really Progress?
Captions
Marilyn Davenport, B Glam, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Wedding Chapel, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Silver Slipper, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Step Into Cortez, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Modern Jackpot, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Voo Doo, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Lucky Nugget, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Black Jack Casino, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Pool Player, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame
Marilyn Davenport, Gamblers Trailer, 2006, Digital SLR, 11”x14” print in 16”x20” frame