Gilda Snowden at M Contemporary Art
Kim Fay of Real Art Detroit wrote a review of Chronicle an exhibition of self-portraits by the late Gilda Snowden. Read it on her Substack site or continue below.
Installation of Chronicle
A Chronicle is a historical chronology of events arranged in order of time often without additional commentary, interpretation, or analysis. In her “Chronicle” drawings Gilda endeavored to make a record of her existence devoid of any facial features or identifying physical traits, except for her profile and the interplay of her hair. In this she was able to strip down her visual narrative to include only the impression of her existence in space and the energy of her light expressed through her use of color. Working in this way allowed Gil - da to work metaphysically, dealing simultaneously with her physical body, reflection, shadowed self, and silhouette.
From Steps Into Shadow by Senghor Reid
These pieces were made from 1989-1994 and originally pinned to Snowden’s studio walls; the pinholes in the corners are still present. The direct application of graphite and pastel affords a glimpse into the soul of an artist. Marks made with a strong, pressured hand, or a lighter scribble, reveal process, mood and skill.Some works are layered in texture and color while others are minimal. All are highly expressive and raw. This piece is dark for Snowden. Even the brightest among us has their moments.Her iconic silhouette is recognizable by her dreads; sometimes secured, sometimes loose and free.
The triangle represents a tornado, an artist’s inner struggle, which can appear tamed in some images while in this one it obliterates her face. These works narrate a story every artist knows. One day you’re enlivened and the work comes easy. The next it’s difficult just lifting the pencil.
This intensely personal series of self-portraits by one of Detroit’s most impactful makers, teachers, friends and inexhaustible art champions, conjures Snowden’s energy into the present, reminding us of her powerful legacy. As I was lifting my camera to take pictures of her work, I remember seeing Snowden do this exact thing at every opening she attended—which was damn near all of them. It felt very full-circle and a nod to her ardent advocacy for her fellow makers.
“An abstractionist is one who views the world idealistically, transforming the imperfect into something perfect—something visionary. Abstraction is not absolute. There are varying degrees depending on the distance traveled between realism and non-representation. Traditionally realistic images, such as the landscape or portrait, may be extrapolated by an artist until the subject becomes unrecognizable.” - Gilda Snowden artist’s statement 1995.
On view through May 28th at M Contemporary 205 E Nine Mile, Ferndale
