WHEN THE BOUGH BREAKS
Rosemary Duffy Larson Gallery, Broward College, Davie, FL, August 23—September 22, 2021
Penn State Robeson Galleries, State College PA, January—March 2021
Marketview Arts/York College Galleries, York PA, October 24—December 12, 2020
937 Gallery, Pittsburgh PA, September 20 – December 7, 2019
Organized by Susanne Slavick
Includes paintings, drawings, prints and mixed media works by Patricia Bellan-Gillen, Denise Burge, Zoe Charlton, Ellen Harvey, Alex Lukas, Clayton Merrell, Lavar Munroe*, Sarah Slavick and Susanne Slavick as well as poems and texts by: John Ashbery, W. H. Auden, Ross Gay, Joy Harjo, Terrance Hayes, Thea Matthews, W.S. Merwin, Linda Pasten, Richard Powers, Adrienne Rich, Valencia Robin, and Cynthia Zarin
(*Lavar Munroe work only in the Pittsburgh show)
In a 1940 poem, Bertolt Brecht asked:
What kind of times are they, when
A talk about trees is almost a crime
Because it implies silence about so many horrors?
In a 1995 poem, Adrienne Rich answered:
.....so why do I tell you
anything? Because you still listen, because in times like these
to have you listen at all, it's necessary
to talk about trees.
When the Bough Breaks responds to these questions within a context of countless trivial distractions from so many profound threats, many of which arise from our abuse of and alienation from nature. Despite our history of decimating vast tracts of forests, often in the name of civilization, trees remain indifferent to our existence. They continue offering shade, shelter, sustenance and survival. They long precede the human race and will ultimately succeed us, despite our alternating negligence and reverence.
In face of ongoing human conflict and impending climate catastrophe, the reality or representation of trees can offer solace and space—for the necessity of talking and listening. The works of these artists and accompanying poets embrace the tree — materially and conceptually— through figure and metaphor, analysis and allegory, and as record and reflection.
Review by Lisa Cunningham in Pittsburgh City Paper
Article in Daily Collegian
Photo Story in Onward State
