Inspired by the movements and gestures of Alvin Ailey’s dance composition “Revelation,” artist Kristine Mays’ expression of the human form through wire pays honor to the ancestors — those that walked, lived and tended to this land.
Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is proud to be the exclusive Richmond exhibitor for artist Kristine Mays’ hit sculpture series, Rich Soil. Rich Soil is made up of 29 life size sculptures presented in 7 groupings located in iconic areas throughout the Garden. The exhibit is included with Garden admission; free for members.
Artist Statement: Sculpted from thousands of pieces of wire hooked and looped together, each figure embodies a fleeting gesture or expression that delivers a message of strength while challenging how we view ourselves and others. An invisible occupant revealed through the sculpted folds and wrinkles of a garment, or the shapes that come together to create the human form. A strong spirit shines forth in the dichotomy of what is revealed. The sculptures look fragile and soft and yet are solid and strong, reminiscent of a foundation of sorts. Within the confines of hard metal wire is sense of resilience and perseverance — a need to push forward and thrive. The work speaks to identity — the question of who we are and what we can do with our lives, the impact our lives have on the world.
“My hope is that the figures will spring forth like spirits rising from the soil, to be recognized, revered and embraced. May they push through while at the same time mingling and dancing among the flowers. Both plants and human beings come and go — reverberating within the cycles of life. This seemed like a beautiful idea to explore within the grounds of a garden,” says Kristine.