AUGUST 2, 2024 JACKIE ANDRES
“Deer with feathers” (2024), ink and watercolor on handmade indigo paper, 25.5 x 27 inches. All images © Valerie Hammond
Valerie Hammond’s newest works evolve from the artist’s ongoing interest in surrealism’s ability to address patriarchal narratives.
According to Greek mythology, Daphne was the descendant of river gods. Born with a surging hunger for freedom and autonomy, the nymph committed herself to living a life rooted in solitude as she poured herself into deep passions like nature and hunting. Although Daphne devoted a great deal of time to exploring her tranquil surroundings, she eventually found herself in the chaotic throes of unrequited love as Apollo desperately sought to seize her for himself. One day, during a relentless pursuit in which Daphne was being chased by the Greek god, her only escape was to call to her father for help, who subsequently transformed her into a laurel tree. Narratives similar to this, symbolizing the adversity of self-preservation against burdening pressures set forth by powerful men, play a critical role in Valerie Hammond’s current solo exhibition titled Dreamers Awake.
“Laurel” (2023), hornets nest, paper and wood, 65 x 30 x 24 inches
While Hammond’s newest works imbue familiar themes of nature, spirituality, and strife, they also evolve from the artist’s ongoing interest in surrealism’s ability to address patriarchal narratives. “I found creative potential in its exploration of the unconscious and the uncanny, and I admired its attempts to liberate social conventions from conformist structures,” Hammond explains in the exhibition text. “I was especially intrigued by women’s involvement in surrealism, and their unique images of sexuality, vulnerability, violence, and rage.” […]
“Venus” (2024), paper, wasp nest, and wood, 68 x 12.50 x 11 inches
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