“Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real.”
-Cormack McCarthy, All the Pretty Horses
Scars, whether physical or emotional, stay with us for ever. That is their nature. They are some of the fibers from which our stories are woven, for better or worse. And while they very often remind us of the trials we have faced, they also have a way of reminding us that we have lived – continue to live. Scars demonstrate our strength, often born from moments of powerlessness. They map out the ways we have overcome obstacles to carry on.
Paula Siebra joined us to talk about her show, As Premeiras Coisas, which ran from October 10 to November 9 at Mendes Wood Gallery in New York. The title of the show translates to “the earliest things,” which speaks to the way the work draws on the community where Siebra lives in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, a very hot and sunny place where memories from childhood inspire her. To learn more about this show and other aspects of Siebra’s work and career, listen to the complete interview.
Gretchen Scherer chatted with us about her show, Seeking an Exit, which ran from October 17 to November 23 at Monya Rowe Gallery. The show deals in part with feeling overwhelmed and with the ways we seek an exit from the struggles and suffering of life through art. The works depict busy interiors of real museums. For each one, Scherer researches the museum collection and rearranges its display for her painting. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
A few words to keep in your pocket
What scars do you carry?
Outings.
Join me at Hunter Dunbar Projects for Floral Abundance Part II
Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces are here in a shareable format. The full archive of interviews is here.
More books to read
Ours is a community of readers. Tell us what books you’re reading now by adding your titles to our reading list here. Praxis user Paul Lorenz is reading The Madwomen of Paris by Jennifer Cody Epstein.
Opportunities
Woodstock AIR supports artists of color exploring photography, diversity, and social justice. Ten photographers receive a one-month residency in Woodstock, fostering creativity in dedicated studios and a historic environment. Visit the website for more information. Application deadline is January 31.