Célia Rakotondrainy.

rising tide

With guest artist Nirina Lune

november 8 - january 20

Célia Rakotondrainy's 'rising tide' delves into the core of a shared narrative woven by threads of Malagasy lineage, mixed heritage, fractured experiences, and uprooted identities.

Within these portraits, the artist endeavors to encapsulate the resonance of fracture—being distanced from our ancestral lands, bearing the scars of trauma that propelled us to distant shores, grappling with the silence of a forgotten tongue, and piecing together fragments of our cultural essence. The canvas mirrors our fractured realities, a mosaic incomplete yet teeming with raw potential. Each individual portrayed in this series stands at the precipice of their narrative, confronting the depths of their being submerged in water—a potent symbol of unity with our multifaceted identities. Water, both terrifying and healing, whispers the language of transformation. In its embrace, we dissolve into its fluidity, becoming a part of its vast expanse.

Upon the canvas, a reflection emerges, shimmering on the water's surface. This reflection is metaphorically used to represent a moment of deep contemplation, an exploration of the past, or the fleeting nature of memories. The imagery of light and reflection lends a poetic and introspective quality to the work. It signifies the convergence with oneself, a metamorphosis into something new, yet forever retaining the memory of our past selves. The water, like our collective history, cradles these reflections—a reservoir of memories, dreams, and aspirations.

Amidst the ripples and reflections, we find our voices resonating with the undulating waves of identity construction. This exhibition seeks to immerse you in this journey, inviting you to feel the ebb and flow of existence to confront the fractures that shape us. During the interviews with each participant, it was clear that healing of this fracture had begun. Water is used here in movement, bridging the gap metaphorically, filling the crack, and embracing us as if in the womb. As a rising tide, we gain strength and momentum, helping us face the inevitable change within ourselves that propels growth and transformation. Tides are a collective phenomenon influenced by the moon, sun, and Earth's alignment. This collective strength shows the power of unity and collaboration, which the artist holds dear to her heart. The strength is found in coming together, in shared experiences, and in supporting one another through the ebb and flow of life.

'rising tide' beckons you to join this transformation symphony, where fractured souls find resonance in their shared, intricate melody.

email hello@chelamitchellgallery.com for inquiries