Day 4282: Fabric Portrait and “The nail that sticks out"

    

    

"Needless Waste": junk mail collage

 

 

  

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Click : Al Green, Lets Get Together

 

  

 

 

2GN2S

Vibrant Textile Portraits

“Together We Bloom 3” (2023), cotton fabric and thread sewn on muslin, 64 x 52 inches

From minimal outlines in black thread, empowering portraits of Black women emerge in new large-scale textile pieces by Toronto-based artist Gio Swaby. Vivid fabrics with an emphasis on florals dominate her new body of work titled I Will Blossom Anyway, on view now at Claire Oliver Gallery, emphasizing brightness, joy, and self-love. Centering on a number of self-portraits, her recent artworks reflect on personal identity, embarking on an introspective journey toward acceptance and compassion.

“Where I Know You From 4” (2023) cotton fabric and thread sewn on muslin, 80 x 50 inches

Swaby’s interest in textiles ties her to a childhood surrounded by the materials her mother often used in her work as a seamstress. She was born and raised in The Bahamas before moving to Canada, where she has spent most of her adult life, and she draws on conflicted feelings about a sense of belonging and navigating what she poetically describes as her “many selves.” She says, “I reflected a lot on my own path and started to recognize how many parts of myself exist in the in-between spaces.”

“Where I Know You From 7” (2023), cotton fabric and thread sewn on muslin, 52 x 62 inches

In her nearly-life-size self-portraits, the artist looks directly at the viewer yet always appears relaxed, embracing tranquil moments of rest. Loose threads occasionally abandon their outlines, dangling or wandering around the canvas as if they have a mind of their own, highlighting the never-finished process of growth, evolution, and self-understanding.

“Where I Know You From 3” (2023) cotton fabric and thread sewn on muslin, 80 x 44 inches

I Will Blossom Anyway runs through July 29 in Harlem and coincides with her solo exhibition Fresh Up at the Art Institute of Chicago, which continues through July 3. Find more on the artist’s website and on Instagram.

“Where I Know You From 6” (2023), cotton fabric and thread sewn on muslin, 40 x 78 inches

“Self-Portrait 6” (2023), cotton fabric and thread sewn on muslin, 28 x 38 inches

“Where I Know You From 5” (2023), cotton fabric and thread sewn on muslin, 50 x 96 inches

  

“Self-Portrait 5” (2023), cotton fabric and thread sewn on muslin, 28 x 38 inches 

“出る釘は打たれる"

“The nail that sticks out gets hammered down”

While sitting outside yesterday, I kept looking at the big orange tree. I love that setting, butI kept noticing the one branch that was taller and seemingly reaching out to be noticed. It was a lovely branch and the the flower may have been the brightest. It looked proud and I liked it.

But, in my 50+ years of Karate training, Japanese philosophy and manners, I remembered the infamous proverb, "deru kugi wa utareru”, “the nail that sticks out gets hammered down”. So in keeping with that, this fine branch would be pruned to conform with the whole. I was glad that the gardener didn't, or maybe couldn't reach it?

The hammer of course refers to society and the nail, to an individual. The hammer ridicules and scrutinises nails which stand out, then proceed until pressured to conform. Nails are seen to pose a threat to a stable foundation. Although a philosophy, not a religion, Confucianism is thought to have dominated the thinking of the Edo period in Japan, by practicing peace and harmony and mainly putting others’ feelings before your own. Additionally, these ideas have since been reiterated throughout the centuries and with the 9th article in Japan’s constitution for ‘international peace based on justice and order’.

Japan has a population of 125.7 million, it’s surprising that such a homogeneous culture exists without communism. One of the largest populations in the world with surprisingly, one of the lowest crime rate, stable economies, cleanest streets surrounded by convenience. Without conformity would Japan have such luxuries?

Mark Twain

“To a man with a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

 

 

 

 

  

 

A 3+ minute video, Imagine Dragons, here

 

 

 

  

 

Just because ...

  

Minnesoto Loon and baby Loon.

 

 

 

Friday's Smiles ...