Contaminate
By Jason Hargrove.
No matter the precautions taken with nuclear material, contamination events have occurred. Contaminates have spread throughout the country from nuclear and chemical plants. When plants shutdown, the lingering material created is never fully cleaned up, and then gets passed on to the next generation.
Being a Cascade Operator at a nuclear enrichment plant near shutdown in West Paducah Kentucky, and hearing stories from older people who have worked at the plant, motivated me to create images that portray situations of Radiological Workers and toxic environments.
I’m intrigued by the risks people take with their health. I’m interested in the reasons behind workers placing their selves in dangerous situations, and the lengths some will go in order to protect income, family, and lifestyle. The secrecy surrounding nuclear sites, and public perception, factor into my fascination. Plants shut down, workers lose their jobs, companies leave, the money leaves, and the contamination stays behind.
The use of yellow and magenta in my work are colors found on radiation warning signs. I make my collages on canvas using screen prints, vinyl film in the form of stickers, stencils, and spray paint. The same materials are used when installing large stickers and posters in the pubic environment. Bringing awareness, sparking concern, and leading people to inquire about their surroundings.
Jason Hargrove is a graphic artist, sculptor, muralist, and all around artist. He was born in Paducah, Kentucky September 10, 1976. He graduated from West Kentucky Technical College in 1997, where he studied graphic design, and desktop publishing. After graduation he attended Murray State University, and pursued a degree in Art Studio, and French. After two years at Murray, he attended Tennessee State Blacksmith and Farrier School, and became a certified blacksmith. During 1999 – 2004 He became seriously evolved in shoeing, training horses.
He joined the United States Air Force in 2004, became a jet engine mechanic, and earned a degree while in service in Aerospace Aviation Technology. While in service he lived in Texas, Arizona, Alaska, and North Dakota. In 2008 he left the Air Force and went back to Murray State and reentered the Art Studio program for a year, then after that he started working for United States Enrichment Corporation as a Cascade Operator, where he worked with nuclear materials.
He works with stickers, stencils, illustrations, wheat paste, collage, posters, sculptures, paintings, murals, and glass fragments. He enjoys working with the colors yellow, and magenta. They’re colors found on radiation warning signs. His work combines elements of graffiti, pop art, symbology, and futurist thought to provoke environmental awareness, and inspire community involvement.
Jason Hargrove currently lives and works in Mayfield, Kentucky in the United States.