Curatorial Vignette: From Bamboo to Brush
January 26, 2024–February 29, 2024
OPENING RECEPTION:
Friday, January 26, 5 – 7 pm
“From Bamboo to Brush” is a curatorial vignette in collaboration with TAI Modern that showcases the synergy between Japanese bamboo art from the gallery’s collection, and contemporary Zen ink brush painting by artist Deanne Kroll of Raven Brushworks. The exhibit explores the shared principles of purpose, movement, and expression, creating a compelling connection between these two diverse art forms.
Highlighting intentionality, preparation, mindfulness, gesture, and trust, the exhibition reveals the connection between bamboo and brush. Despite their different timelines—brush painting relies on spontaneous bursts of gesture, while bamboo art takes form over the accumulation of time—both art forms can emerge from intuition rather than predetermined notions.
Kroll’s ink paintings evoke a “feeling that translates into sight,” while Japanese bamboo masters “listen to the bamboo”. This intersection emphasizes a flow of energy that leaves both the creators and observers in a reflective, transformative state, offering valuable insights into the potency of human creativity.
Inspired by the nurturing ways of the raven, artist Deanne Kroll established Raven Brushworks in Santa Fe as a platform for her contemplative creative practice. “Painting has the potential to allow for deeper spiritual connection. When I paint, I invite my mind to unlearn what it knows. This process brings me into a state of inner peace, and this allows me to feel the essence of my subject.”
The exhibition features ink paintings by Deanne Kroll alongside Japanese bamboo art by renowned artists like Honma Hideaki, Kawano Shoko, Monden Yuichi, Nakamura Tomonori, Sugiura Noriyoshi, Oki Toshie, Shono Tokuzo, Watanabe Chiaki, and Japanese Living National Treasure, Fujitsuka Shosei.
“From Bamboo to Brush” at TAI Modern promises a transformative exploration of artistic expression, cultural fusion, and shared spiritual experience. Open to the public from January 26th to February 22nd at TAI Modern in Santa Fe, NM.
