artist statement

Summer Solstice, features transferred images of young Virgin Islanders interacting in the natural landscape, showcasing a different side of paradise beyond the commercialized postcard imagery. It portrays the daily lives of those who inherit this land and must create a future for themselves amidst the challenges of living in a place often seen as a vacation destination.

The series, Summer Solstice, showcases transferred photographic images of young Virgin Islanders interacting with each other in the natural landscape of the Virgin Islands, a destination often referred to as “America’s Paradise” that attracts millions of tourists each year. Unlike the typical postcard images and scenic promotional photos that depict pristine, uninhabited beaches and lush green landscapes, Cook-Rutnik’s work challenges the notion of the Virgin Islands solely as a tourist destination. It encourages viewers to look beyond the picturesque postcard series and recognize the depth and complexity of the community that calls the Virgin Islands home.