“The Mountain’s Farmers” by Colette Brésilla.

Se Réfleter Dans celebrates the dynamic vision of Haitian-born painter, textile designer, and sculptor Colette Brésilla who explores the cultural and creative contexts as a tool for social change. Curated from the artist’s private collection, the exhibition is organized thematically into a fifteen-piece series of work with a remarkable interpretation of mirrored images which, like their reflections, can be ambiguous and even contradictory; yet a glaring characterization of the complexities of human identity both personal and cultural.

The female form and principle is prominently featured in the artist’s artwork; from a Haitian market women with pipes and Japanese geishas to thinkers, and mothers. The inspiration of these selections was drawn from the artist’s interest in representations of complicated figures at ease with themselves who at the same time mirror particular identities.

This exhibit ranges from small to big dimensions, and was created by the artist from 2012-2015, and offers a captivating glimpse into her evolution over the past 30 years. Brésilla exclusively works with palette knives, oil sticks, and wax paste and has a connection to the ancient technique of appliqué, an important art from Benin, West Africa, the ancestral homeland named by many Haitians. Curated by Tina Cabral.

Bipoc Space @ the Armory, 191 Highland Ave., Second Floor, 2A, Somerville, through September 30. By appointment only, as the gallery space is not open to the public. For visiting hours, please contact imenjivar@somervillema.gov.

 

 

 

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