By Gabriela Olivas Skyline Reporter
Photography by Callie Hennessy Skyline Photographer and Assistant Design Editor

ALPINE- The Museum of The Big Bend has launched an exhibit showcasing  powerful images  of World War II veterans by photographer Zach Coco. The exhibit opened Jan.  18 and runs through  March 25, 2021. Museum Director Mary Bones provided the Skyline with more details about the exhibit, titled WWII Heroes.

Q: Zach Coco is the photographer for this project. How did his work come to be included in the Museum of Big Bend?

Bones: Maggie, [Museum of the Big Bend employee] was familiar with Mr. Coco’s work and had been following his project. 

Q: Can you provide a preface of the WW II Heroes project?

Mary Bones: WWII Heroes is the culmination of four years of Zach Coco’s determination to photograph and interview as many surviving members of the Armed Services who served during World War II. This quest began with the death of his grandfather and the realization that the opportunity to photographically document men and women of the “greatest Generation” in appreciation for their service and sacrifice for the cause of the freedom was quickly passing.

Q: What do you think the photographs can explain? Not only about the heroes’ present lives, but also about their past?

Bones: People should look not only at the subject but at all the other objects that are included in the images. The objects reveal more about their positions in the Armed Services.

Q: Looking at the photographs, most tend to include either blue or warm tones. Sometimes the blue contrasts with the warm tones. Do you think Zach Coco had the intention of setting an atmosphere to evoke certain emotions or feelings?

Bones: Yes! I do believe he had the intention of creating a certain feeling. 

Q: Do you think people could learn more or gain a new perspective about World War II by reading the interviews?

Bones: Yes, it is always the Museum’s goal to help people learn and gain new perspectives. This exhibit highlights a wide variety of men and women from different backgrounds. Through the biographies one comes to learn how each troop had a different experience in the war. 

Q: How can people purchase the WWII Heroes book?

Bones: People can purchase the WWII Heroes book at the Museum of the Big Bend Gift Shop. The price is $64.95 including tax and another $5.00 for shipping. 

Q: What can people look forward to at the Museum of the Big Bend?

Bones:The next exhibit will feature 100 years of Fine Art in the Big Bend, which will include works by SRSU Art Instructors.

The Museum of the Big Bend is located on the Sul Ross State University campus in Alpine, Texas. Call 432.837.8143 for more information. https://www.museumofthebigbend.com/  

 

HOURS:

Tuesday – Friday

10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Free admission

Closed major holidays.

Visitors must wear face masks to enter the Museum. Hand sanitizer stations are available.

You can learn more about the artist at https://www.zachcoco.com/bio