Leaves of grass

Leaves of Grass is an exhibition by seven artists working across sculpture, photography, drawing, and sound. Inspired by Walt Whitman’s epic poetry, the exhibition at White Box features new work by Cheri Allcock, Esme Bone, Sophie Parker, Anna Presilia, Nicola Roper, Dominic Rose and Willow Winston, all of whom recently completed the European Fine Art Masters programme at The Margate School.

The themes that run through the exhibition reflect Whitman’s expansive vision encompassing humanity, democracy, nature and the universe. The artworks on display mirror this vision of nature and the cycles of human life, the minutiae and the whole.  Often working in ephemeral media the artists focus on the tapestry of connections both within the poem and within the gallery walls.

Leaves of Grass dances playfully at the intersection of art and poetry, where individual creativity and collective expression meet.

My installation for this exhibition takes its title 'I witness and wait…' from the end line of the stanza 'Song for Myself', a spiritual and democratic lament about nature, and unity with the universe within Walt Whitman's epic poem 'Leaves of Grass.'

This expanded portrait builds a fragile monument to my friend Alex, who lost her long battle with cystic fibrosis. It is composed of objects chosen by Alex's friends, each carefully drawn and screen-printed with personal notes on the reverse, collectively telling her story through the memories of those who loved her. Bound with copper wire in the shape of the constellation of Capricorn—Alex's passion for astrology led us to attend classes together when we lived together—and created using Alex's own art materials. The work also incorporates photographs taken in the hospital and in Alex's home on the frequent hospital visits I made over the last few years.

This is a portrait held together by love, friendship and what we leave behind…