|
This edition is super exciting - I had the pleasure of going to a new gallery that I had my eye on for a while now. Not only was the space and the work fantastic but I was joined by my good friend, the talented Maggie Ruggiero!
A couple months back I learned of Salon 94, a multidisciplinary haven of visual artists and designers. The historic building could have been left empty and I still would be writing about the marvel of their marble baseboards. There are several different shows on view at a time, each one with it's own dedicated viewing room amongst the gallery. It is almost like a mini museum or several galleries housed under one roof. And something so nice about this is that it is almost like having a multi course meal or better yet a family style spread. You can bop around tasting the different work, going back for seconds after getting a first go out of everything. Having the other works really help lift each other up, round out the experience, and challenge your eye.
Neesh + Soku (Moon + Sun) by Raven Halfmoon is just one of the amazing exhibits on view. Halfmoon's pieces seem like they were made for Salon 94. The color palettes alone were entirely harmonious with the interiors, from the warm neutral tones of cream and black, to the accents of red. These signature hues of hers come from the soil and clay of her native lands and the idea of duality between darkness and light. Striking that balance through dichotomies, I love how the room itself has that untouched glossy finish while Halfmoon's weathered like textural work cuts an otherwise almost too perfect shine about the space.
I always like to look at the work before reading the show notes. I can form my own unbiased opinion and afterwards see if my feelings parallel with the work. This show really spoke to me and the kind of art I enjoy seeing. I don't often write about paintings and while paintings are mesmerizing, I love a wondrous sculpture. Maybe it is the physicality of it, how is it standing, how was this constructed, this undeniable presence it takes on.
So without knowing the importance of space to the show, it is entirely fitting to learn Halfmoon's intention is to create large works with the notion that she is reclaiming space for her Indigenous heritage. Speaking about her work this quote really says it best...
“These sculptures reflect the binary elements of life—darkness and light, ancient and modern, traditional and contemporary. I put considerable energy and prayers into each one, so in a sense, they are individuals themselves, and it’s a spiritual process. They are designed to stand powerfully and to take up space.” —Raven Halfmoon
Through details of lip stick, nail polish, and boots, amongst other motifs, she personifies what it looks like to be a modern native women. Honoring the matriarchs before her and the oral legacy passed down, she weaves empowerment of sisterhood and individuality into the work. Brought up surrounded by these strong women and taking inspiration from Indigenous built earthworks, she finds her feminist voice through the immense scale of her sculptural work.
It seems serendipitous for a show about roots that I happened to wear pieces from our Collection 1. I still find myself gravitating towards these items which define the essence of Rosin Studios. The Sapporo is a crew neck high-low body skimming mini dress with sleeves so long I designed thumbholes into it, cut in a heavy rib knit cotton blend. Worn on top is our Safed, a strappy criss-cross back sandwashed satin crop top. The mix of sheen and fabrication makes for an effortless day to night look.
|
