Susan Harbage Page: Mapping Borders, Bearing Witness
Born in Greenville, Ohio, in 1959, Susan Harbage Page’s artistic journey has been profoundly shaped by a lifelong engagement with liminal spaces – the edges of nations, the thresholds between cultures, and the quiet territories within personal experience. From her early childhood spent navigating the diverse landscapes of North Carolina, she developed an acute awareness of displacement, migration, and the complex interplay of identity. This foundational understanding informs her current work, which powerfully interrogates issues of race, gender, immigration, and the very nature of archives – both physical and conceptual.
Page’s formal artistic training provided a robust framework for her explorations. She began with a strong grounding in music, earning Bachelor of Music (B.M.) and Master of Music (M.M.) degrees in saxophone performance from Michigan State University in 1983 and 1984, respectively. This early exposure to the discipline of precision and expression would later translate into her photographic practice. Subsequently, she pursued a Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) degree in photography at the San Francisco Art Institute in 2004, honing her technical skills and developing a critical eye for visual storytelling. A significant addition to her artistic toolkit came with a Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language from the University for Foreigners in Perugia, Italy, in 1984 – an experience that profoundly impacted her understanding of cultural exchange and the preservation of memory.
The Borderlands Project: An Archaeological Approach
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Page’s oeuvre is “Objects from the Borderlands: The U.S.–Mexico ‘Anti–Archive,’” a project initiated in 2007 that continues to resonate with its poignant exploration of migration and the human cost of border crossings. This ambitious undertaking involved extensive fieldwork along the Rio Grande River, between Matamoros, Mexico, and Brownsville, Texas – an area marked by intense geopolitical tension and profound social vulnerability. Page’s methodology was deliberately unconventional: she meticulously documented the discarded belongings left behind by migrants attempting to cross into the United States, transforming these seemingly insignificant objects—deflated inner tubes, worn wallets, faded photographs, and fragments of personal identification—into potent symbols of hope, desperation, and loss.
The project isn’t simply a photographic record; it's an intervention in the dominant narratives surrounding immigration. Page’s approach challenges conventional representations by focusing on the intimate details of individual journeys – the remnants of lives left behind. She photographed these objects both in their original context, amidst the harsh landscape, and later in her studio, creating a layered dialogue between the immediate reality of the borderlands and the mediated experience of archival representation. The resulting images are deeply evocative, conveying not just the physical challenges of migration but also the emotional weight carried by those who undertake it.
Beyond the Border: Expanding the Scope
Page’s artistic practice extends beyond the “Borderlands” project, encompassing a diverse range of media and thematic concerns. Her earlier work, such as "Longing: Personal Effects from the Border," explored the complexities of identity through portraits of women in a textile mill in Charlotte, North Carolina, highlighting their labor and experiences. “Postcards from Home,” another significant series, confronted issues of racism by utilizing Klan-style garments to explore the legacy of hate and prejudice. These works demonstrate a consistent commitment to social commentary and a willingness to engage with difficult subjects.
Furthermore, Page’s engagement with sacred objects and communities—documented through residencies in Italy and Israel—reveals an interest in the intersection of spirituality, memory, and cultural heritage. Her Fulbright Scholarship in 1992 provided invaluable insight into the rituals and traditions of cloistered nuns, a formative experience that continues to inform her artistic perspective.
Recognition and Legacy
Susan Harbage Page’s work has garnered significant recognition throughout her career. She is a three-time recipient of the North Carolina Arts Council Visual Artist Fellowship (2010, 2004, 2000), acknowledging her sustained commitment to artistic excellence. Her photographs have been exhibited internationally in countries including Bulgaria, China, England, France, Germany, Italy, Israel, and the United States. Her work is held in public and private collections, reflecting its enduring value and critical engagement with contemporary issues.
Page’s influence extends beyond her individual achievements. As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Women's and Gender Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she continues to shape the next generation of artists and scholars. Her work serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of bearing witness to marginalized voices and challenging dominant narratives through thoughtful and deeply resonant art.
