The Ben Bailey Art Gallery at Texas A&M University- Kingsville is currently showcasing Cassie Normandy White’s artwork in an art exhibit titled “KIN.”
Inspired by the research of environmental forest biologist Robin Wall Kimmerer, White’s “KIN” artwork depicts the invisible connections between natural systems and evaluates the relationship between humans and other natural beings.
“Kin chronicles phenomena of ordinary gatherings, drawn from a curiosity about unseen interconnection within natural systems. My subjects reflect the overlooked: they are either miniscule, common or hidden, easily receding into the background of everyday experience. Given time and observation, these seemingly banal subjects are reminders of the mystery, complexity and coincidence of life on earth,” White said in the exhibition summary.
The word Kin was created by Kimmerer who believes that humans should call other living beings “ki” or “kin” when plural instead of “it.” In doing this, she believes humans will be acknowledging and respecting the intelligence of beings on Earth that are not human.
“And…in English, we speak of our beloved Grandmother Earth in exactly that way: as ‘it.’ The language allows no form of respect for the more-than-human beings with whom we share the Earth. In English, a being is either a human or an ‘it.’ Objectification of the natural world reinforces the notion that our species is somehow more deserving of the gifts of the world than the other 8.7 million species with whom we share the planet,” Kimmerer said in YES! Magazine.
In the exhibit, there are ten pieces of artwork by White being displayed. The mediums of each piece are monoprinted or made from colored pencils. Within in each piece, White is depicting the overlooked intricacies of living beings on Earth and their relationships with humans.
“I utilize man-made materials to evoke natural phenomena and reveal the complexity of these unseen worlds through visual representation. I hope to encourage observation, so that we may begin acknowledging and appreciating the wonders and mysteries of kin who surround us,” White said.
Nicolette Garcia, a fine arts major, said her favorite piece from the exhibit is titled “That Sweet Moon Language.” The piece is monoprinted and drawn from colored pencils. The vibrant colors are one reason Garcia likes the piece.
“Well besides the fact of the color, it’s just that pretty much from whatever distance you stand within reason you can see. The closer you get the more it draws you in and you start to see the images…that are hidden in the image itself,” Garcia said.
To view White’s work, visit the Ben Bailey Art Gallery where the “KIN” exhibit will be displayed until Sept. 28. The gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. from Monday through Friday. For anyone who is interested in meeting White, an artist reception will be held in the gallery on Sept. 21 from 6 to 8 p.m.
