Conroe-based artist Dirk Strangely is set to debut a new series of portraits titled "Souls of the Titanic" during a commemorative exhibition and dinner in Texas. The artworks are created using a unique process the artist calls "Artifactism," which incorporates authenticated coal recovered from the Titanic wreckage in 1994. By grinding the coal into a pigment through levigation, Strangely has produced watercolor paintings of notable figures such as Captain Edward John Smith and Molly Brown, accented with 24k gold leaf and 1912-era paper.
The event highlights a niche trend of integrating historical relics directly into contemporary fine art to create a tangible connection to the past. While the debut is taking place at a themed local event, the artist intends for the completed 12-piece collection to be reserved for future museum exhibitions. This project underscores the enduring cultural fascination with the Titanic and explores the intersection of maritime history, forensic-style art techniques, and immersive storytelling.