Posted: January 23, 2025Written by: Ritchie Bermudez

San Luis Obispo, CA – The Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery at Cuesta College proudly presents Before These Witnesses, a solo exhibition by contemporary artist Daisy Patton. The exhibition will be on display from January 30 through March 14, offering audiences an evocative exploration of various mediums with themes of memory, identity, and storytelling.

The public is invited to the opening reception on January 30 from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., with an artist talk at 6:00 p.m. in Room 6304 and via live stream at bit.ly/daisypatton.

About the Exhibition: Before These Witnesses delves into the complex traditions and symbols associated with love, weddings, and marriage. Patton utilizes diverse media—including photography, painting, embroidery, and sculpture—to explore the aesthetic, political, and social aspects of weddings.

The exhibition raises important questions about inclusivity and the narratives surrounding love and commitment by examining how these rituals have been documented and remembered across cultures and throughout recent history. Patton's colorful and highly detailed works highlight traditional wedding practices while challenging them. Her intricate use of paint, cloth, and craft, coupled with the inclusion of imagery featuring both straight and queer couples, prompts viewers to reflect on the cultural values embedded in the heart of these celebrations of love and commitment.

At the heart of Patton's work is an exploration of how rituals shape societal expectations and personal milestones, particularly in the context of nostalgia for past traditions. This longing often leads to idealized views of the past that overlook the diverse experiences that have existed historically. Before These Witnesses features photographs dating from the late 19th century to the present, transformed through labor-intensive techniques like embroidery and embellishments, along with sculptural components that enhance the immersive quality of the exhibition. Through this reimagining of wedding imagery, Patton creates a space to contemplate how love and commitment are celebrated and documented. 

About the Artist: Daisy Patton is a contemporary multimedia artist known for her vibrant, layered works that merge photography, painting, and mixed media. Her practice centers on themes of memory, identity, and the ways personal and collective histories intersect. Patton’s art transforms forgotten or anonymous photographs, inviting viewers to reconsider these images’ narratives and how memory is shaped, preserved, and altered over time. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Fine Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. 

Her work frequently incorporates found photographs—family portraits, wedding images, and other snapshots—collected from antique stores and online auctions. Through painting, collaging, and other techniques, Patton recontextualizes these images, layering them with vivid colors and patterns. Her work has been exhibited in the Museum of Contemporary Art in Denver and other notable venues across the United States. Her work resonates with a broad audience, connecting deeply with the universal longing to preserve and make sense of the past. Patton has received multiple awards and residencies, including the Massachusetts Cultural Council and Barbara Deming Memorial Fund grants.

Location and Admission: The Harold J. Miossi Art Gallery is in Room 7170 at the Cuesta College San Luis Obispo campus. Admission to the gallery is free. Please visit the gallery webpage or call (805) 546-3202 for a schedule of exhibits and hours of operation. For additional information, please email timothy_stark@cuesta.edu.