6th Grenada Contemporary 2022 (Art from the Caribbean)

I have always been fascinated with the Bois Canot and its form. It is only after considering it within the context of “Empathy of Place” that I realized how apt this leaf was at describing the right to opacity. This leaf “grasps”; it pulls towards itself. Like a fist, the leaf defiantly conceals. This leaf has what Cesaire would call “the dignity of mystery.” Walcott refers to the leaf as well, “inverted design of unrigged schooners.” The Bois Canot leaf represents, for me, the opaqueness that Glissant describes. It twists and writhes in its right to its own secrets and identity. In this work, I explore adding more layers of opacity in a dialogue with the form of the leaf. The grid wire serves to confine and protect but also to “frame” these natural icons to incite further questions.

Asher Mains Opacite' Mixed Media Size Variable 2022

Bois Canot dried leaves

Asher MainsOpacite' Mixed Media Size Variable 2022