Unknown artist (Southern West Virginia Photovoice Project participant), American
Ginseng, 2008
A bright photograph depicts an unknown figure in an orange shirt holding a massive, branching Ginseng root. As part of a West Virginian photovoice project, participants were able to take photos that told the story of their community. Many photos from the project depicted environmental hazards, but the long-lasting cultural traditions present in Appalachia came through in photos such as this one. This root would be a striking piece of vegetation on its own, but put into context by both the picture’s caption and the environmental threats within Appalachia, it transforms into a rebellious celebration for nature and the residents of the region. To have this “once in a lifetime” gift, as the label names it, is a welcome contrast to the ‘once in a lifetime’ floods or droughts that have increased frequency due to climate change and industrial destruction. Label by Lia Deasy