the heart goes nine

For this exhibit:

A feature of jurying a group exhibit is seeing connections between disparate work by a variety of artists. The heart goes nine entries offered a rich and diverse playing field. When an exhibit takes form within a physical space a host of new possibilities emerge. I appreciate the deft hand Gallery Director, David DeMelim, RI Center for Photographic Arts, brought to this process as he knows his gallery space well and we featured over 20 artists in this exhibit. The final outcome was a blend of our visions.

For every mile the feet goes the heart goes nine, states ee cummings in the last line of Songs (VII). Words in the hands of this innovative poet ignite our imagination to create visual imagery, which in turn evoke emotion. Artists and visual creatives have a similar power to stir the heart with what they see and illuminate. In the hands of a photographer this power is called “punctum.”

Roland Barthes, the French philosopher, uses a Latin term, punctum, to describe the emotional impact embodied within an image. The literal translation of punctum means to bruise or puncture. A sentiment silently travels like an arrow, from object, the image, to a person, the viewer, with an ability to pierce one’s heart. Something touches us, we are stirred, perhaps moved, we are impacted.

To create this compilation of visual poetry each photographer has created from a journey, an exploration, a quest. Something in their heart, a longing, a curiosity, a memory, a love, a grief, a chance encounter, has led them. Listening, observing, allowing intuition and permitting curiosity to lead, is their daring practice. Authentic exploration and genuine expression of untrodden territory demands courage.

 I honor the myriad emotions evoked by each brave explore we encounter in this exhibit. Humor, witness, homage, engagement and healing can be found. An invisible thread links the creators vision with ours. By following their heart song, they create an opening for each of us to listen, and celebrate our own.

Take a walk through the galleries.