12/16/2022
The relevance of this exhibition at a time of subjugation of the female body politic is beautifully and poetically navigated by Ann Shelton who, through her timeless imagery and extensive research, advocates a new frontier for inclusive feminisms by championing this ancient knowledge that has been fragmented, suppressed and partially lost.
Shelton's three approaches anchor the work; the aerial, the earthbound and the submerged. The works depicting suspended plants denote images of flight associated with witches and wise women as well as the vulnerability of the female body.Second approach looks to the strong horizon line alluding to the witches bench or earths floor, dictating the formal structure, marking the distinction between land, sea and sky with a visual hierarchy that insinuates a true geopolitical and symbolic power structure within nature and female empowerment.
The final approach shows the suspension of plants in water. Depicted in various forms of decay. They have a literal reference of witches’ brews, tinctures and teas as well as a submerged pedagogy of plant lore and the physical drowning of witches. Shelton describes them as “like wading deep below the surface of a swamp, or contemplating the watery grave of a witch. They are emblematic of underworlds, debased knowledge and rotting order and decay.”
Warning. Plants are powerful and have fascinating histories, part of which the artist is exploring here. But many of them are toxic, deadly and poisonous. The images in this series are artworks and do not constitute medical advice.
Visit the link in our bio for the full text.
Ann Shelton
“i am an old phenomenon”
Nov. 4 - Dec. 22, 2022
Denny Dimin Gallery, New York
The New York gallery is open Tuesday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm through December 22nd.
____
Ann Shelton
Loss paving the way for her new enclosure (Larkspur, Lark’s Claw, Lark’s Heels, Lark’s Toes, Knight’s Spur, Delphinium, Dolphin Flowers), 2022-ongoing
Archival pigment print on Hahnemühle Bamboo
44 x 33 in/112 x 84 cm
Edition of 6 plus 2 artist's proofs