There are no purple hearts for Grandmothers.
I am working to reevaluate and redefine who our family is and what our roles are. As a Womanist, humanist, healer, artivist, and Grandmother, I am honoring these Sacred Spirits as I feel they need to be celebrated through these images and objects. Matriarchs are Grandmothers who teach, heal, guard traditions, and survive through determination and working grit so that their children’s children may have an easier life. I am thinking of their journey and how they used to heal us, feed us, and care for us when our parents needed them. Some of them had to Mother again in a Grand way because their children could not. These women were ‘The Source’ of survival in their family’s lives. – Sabrina Nelson
Noni’s filmy curves move as the air in the gallery circulates. Whispers of color outline the shape and keep the folds from disappearing. Tender netting holds dried flowers dear.
Nelson’s installations are always loaded with metaphorically charged details. Hand painted trowel and hammer favor hard work while herbs and tiny apothecary bottles promote healing.
The simplicity of Nelson’s drawings focus attention to the subject which is placed off-center creating a dynamic composition using very little content. Nelson echoes the delicate flower arrangement in Noni, pinned in a similar place.
Nelson’s paper aprons call to the traditional female role of providing nourishment to her family. Contrary to this exhibition’s quieter iterations, these explode with color and expression that fold and bend lending depth to two-dimensional work.
Nelson explores healing and strength through family matriarchal lines including her personal role as mother, healer, teacher. Her approach to living in gratitude, grace and grief shines through in her love and respect for the women who uplifted her allowing Nelson to reach for and inspire those who follow.
P.S. I love the word ‘artivist’. I’m adding that to my regular vocab.
On view through November 3rd at Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center 1516 S. Cranbrook, Birmingham
*images are mine
direct quote from gallery materials
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