Green Surfaces

Natori Green reflected on southern landscapes in an endearing way. She is fascinated by the relationship between humans and nature. Specifically continuity after natural disasters and everyday occurrences in the south. There is a fortitude that keeps southerners rebuilding and nature resetting our southern landscapes annually. Nurturing nature is critical to human’s self-preservation. There was a conscious decision to utilize upcycled materials to raise awareness about the importance of our southern environments' resiliency and the regeneration of vintage textiles. 

Green was mediative in her interdisciplinary practice. Textural diversity is expressed through the collaging of materials such as oil paints, paper, and deadstock yarns. She created cut out floral arrangements and hand stitched grass on her machine knitted textiles. The arrangements of cut out native Louisiana flowers such as Coreopsis, Red Hibiscus, and Magnolia are symbolic as they are beautiful. Coreopsis are even considered to be drought-tolerant, making them a perfect choice for areas with hot and dry climates.  Red Hibiscus are a symbol of transformation and rebirth. Magnolias have remarkable survival skills and symbolize endurance. Native plants demonstrate how regenerative nature is when addressing environmental issues we frequently encounter in the south. Reclaimed wood and deadstock yarns are sustainable materials used to highlight environmental consciousness. 

Green intertwines her cultural heritage as a New Orleans native into her work. Her paintings mirror her own development of cultural appreciation for African features. Her works display a personal understanding of what it means to be a black woman in the south. Women are frequently depicted centered as to claim space. Natural hair is prominent and almost exaggeratedly encompasses the surfaces of her artwork. The viewer places themselves in the artwork figuratively, and literally through her people with mirror cut out hairstyles. 

This exhibition encourages appreciation and contemplation of our southern landscape. Viewers are asked to consider their personal temperament when faced with environmental issues.