Custodianship was the word that came to mind when visiting this show by Charmaine Watkiss at Tiwani Contemporary. My photos only give a hint of these delicate graphite and watercolour drawings.
The guardians and keepers of plant knowledge have traditionally been women, something Charmaine has knowledge of, both historically and from her mother’s family in Jamaica.
The fragility of her drawings reflect the uncertainty of our situation in the world yet also offer hope.
Each object in the work has a meaning, hidden to the uninitiated.
There is a connection to historical European painting where the viewer could glean references from biblical and mythical texts.
I love seeing talented friends who have worked so hard and consistently getting the recognition they deserve.
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