On April 21, 2023 I loaded up the pickup truck with my canvases/equipment and hit the back roads of the south for a 12 hour trek from Atlanta, GA to Dallas, TX for an art exhibit titled, “A Marvelous Black Boy Art Show”. Although it may sound like a painfully long drive, it was exactly what I needed to clear my head after an intense February and March with the passing of my father on 2/22/23.
At the exhibition I displayed 2 new, colorful geometric pieces along with 8 other canvases. My art was well received and I was able to connect with some amazing people - both art collectors and artists.
The Asanoha - symbolizing harmony and symmetry
One of the two new pieces I presented was a larger (40x60in) canvas displaying what’s known as the Asanoha (pronounced Asa-no-ha) pattern. “Asa” means hemp, “no” means of, and “ha” means leaf. It’s a geometric pattern based on a regular hexagon. The name of the pattern describes how the hexagonal shapes are similar to a hemp leaf. A hexagon is a plane or figure with six straight sides/angles.
Hemp was the main material of clothing for the common people of Japanese culture (and many cultures in America) until cotton was cultivated. Today, hemp is used as a summer kimono - the national garment worn in Japanese culture. It’s also a pattern that has been used to decorate Buddhist statues.
Since hemp is a hardy plant, capable of growing fast and straight without requiring much attention, this plant became a symbol of healthy growth, abundance, versatility, and prosperity; often printed on kimonos and baby clothing as it is believed to energetically bestow health and long life.
The Asanoha links 6 patterns around a central point resembling a star. The number 6 in numerology resonates with the planet Venus symbolizing an artistic inclination, symmetry, harmony and relationship.
This was my 3rd showcase and each one gets better and better! I sold 6 pieces of artwork, the most I’ve sold at a show up to this point. The entire experience was inspiring and transformative for me as an artist to say the very least.
My set up at the exhibit.
I left inspired. Ready to create even more visuals that express the contents of my imagination.