NEW EXHIBIT | Visual Storytelling: The Art Behind the Archives
“A picture is worth a thousand words.” But have you ever stopped to think about why? Visuals have been a universal language since the earliest days of human civilization, from ancient cave drawings to the vibrant comics and public art we see today. Now, the Visual Storytelling: The Art Behind the Archives exhibit invites you to explore the enduring truth behind this statement and experience the art of storytelling in a whole new way.
Located in the Exhibit Gallery on the 8th floor of Library South, elevator doors (LN1, LN4, LS2) and the Library North 2nd floor Gallery, this captivating exhibit highlights how visuals—cartoons, comics, advertisements, public art, and even music—play a vital role in human connection and communication. Drawing from a rich variety of archival collections, Visual Storytelling showcases the surprising ways visuals have preserved history and shaped narratives across generations.
What to Expect
This exhibit offers a fresh perspective on archives, which are often seen as places filled with old and dusty artifacts. Instead, you’ll uncover treasures like:
- Rare comic books and original comic art from the Alan Dion Collection
- Southern snapshots of storytelling from the Southern Visual Storytelling Collection
- Vibrant imagery from the Great Speckled Bird and Wayne Daniel Collection
- Historic labor prints, advertisements, and more!
These materials reveal the creative, diverse, and powerful ways visuals tell stories and preserve culture.
Voices from the Exhibit
Michelle Viard, Student Ambassador, shared her excitement about the exhibit: “Visual storytelling is such a powerful way to connect across time and cultures. This exhibit shows how art can be a universal language, and it’s amazing to see it all come together in one place.”
Brittany Newberry, Music and Pop-Culture Archivist, explained the exhibit’s deeper purpose: “Archives are more than just text—they’re vibrant spaces filled with the stories of our past, told through every medium imaginable. Visual storytelling helps us understand history in a whole new way.”
Why Visual Storytelling Matters
Visual storytelling is more than art—it’s a universal way to connect, communicate, and share ideas. This exhibit highlights the archives’ role in preserving the stories that matter, from grassroots movements and pop culture to the personal and political moments that define our shared history.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious, this exhibit has something for everyone.
Visit the Exhibit:
📍 Exhibit Gallery, 8th Floor, Library South
📅 Open through Fall 2025
Explore Virtually:
https://exhibits.library.gsu.edu/the-art-behind-the-archives/
Step into the archives’ visual side and discover the art behind the stories that connect us all.
We can’t wait to see you there!