This is a ‘oner’ walk through of the interdisciplinary exhibition ‘In the Garden of Exquisite Unknown’ showing at the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery in Sarnia, Ontario (Canada) from 19 April to 1 September, 2024. Artist Siobhán Humston. Curated by Sonya Blazek.
The work ranges in materials from organic matter -roots, bugs, branches, nests and a selection of ephemera to reclaimed chairs, fabric, wool, books and tea bags; from solid forms made from lake clay and Samara keys, to delicately hand sewn hibiscus petals; from a compilation of upward looking film clips of trees through the seasons to a hand embroidered human hair rug and two suspended, embroidered braille fibre arts installations. There is an expired peach tree, suspended and a series of twenty-eight watercolour and graphite drawings.
“It is my love letter to our natural world and a contemplation on light and dark, life and so-called death and of consciousness and interwoven humanity.”
Embroidered braille quote in Lift You Like a Prayer:
I have come to drag you out of yourself and take you in my heart. I have come to show you the beauty you never knew you had and lift you like a prayer to the sky. ~Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī
From the gallery essay by Rosa Quintana Lillo:
‘With intrigue and honest curiosity, Siobhán constructs her mix of the known and unknown worlds making it a visual representation of words and ideas. She addresses that about which we cannot speak in an attempt to grasp or understand what is happening all around us, presenting an invitation to admire nature’s gifts, to ponder and contemplate our connection to them. To communicate with each other, and to share a gratitude for the entire and still-unknown depth of our world’s complexities. I imagine that those who engage with her works and with her practice will tread more slowly and lightly as they go.’ (Courtesy of the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery)
All work copyright of the artist.
www.siobhanhumstonart.com
#ecoart #artexhibitions #artshow #arttour #canadianart #contemporaryart #fibreart #interdisciplinaryart #siobhanhumstonart #slowart #handmade #embroideryart #brailleinart #braille