Another Realm

About the Work

From the Artist

The lithographic print titled Another Realm is an expression of the multiple realms of existence simultaneously experienced by women throughout an existential world. The far left and right of this composition acknowledge the possibilities of empty space, a void, which must be filled with the “stuff” that gives women the ability to thrive and self actualize. 

The central figures of this drawing express the realm of chaos which must be navigated, organized, synthesized, and developed in order to find one's way. The cylindrical forms represent energy fields, motion, frequencies, rational thought and all that is unseen, the ethereal. 

An assemblage of masked women was drawn to convey the power of the collective consciousness and the many faces of the “all knowing”.

The totality of Another Realm is about opposites and the empty space versus the crowded space of the mind. It expresses the healing power of nature and the infinite characteristics of the universe. For example, the drawings of tree-like forms are merged into the drawings of circular and amorphous forms. The presence of the solid sphere represents the fullness and cycles of life. And the gauntlet worn by the female figure standing alone (with hair as a metaphor for the receptacles to the soul, extending throughout the composition) represents the psychological armor required by women to flourish as they travel through the multiple levels of consciousness. 

Another Realm is about world order and disorder replete with contradictions, illusions and synthesized realities. 

Entering multiple worlds to obtain mental and physical nourishment from life giving and sustaining elements is the task of all women who yearn to achieve balance and enlightenment. 
—From Brandywine Workshop and Archives records

I am inspired by my emotional response to the people in my life and world events. The possibilities and properties of artist materials are also inspiring. For example, while focusing on an emotional theme like the love shared by my grandparents, Imay examines paper, fabric and object manipulation methods in relationship to space, scale and design in order to convey a feeling of depth, solidarity and softness. Masterfully arranged jazz compositions that permeate my sac as I create, and literature also drive my creativity. 

My work has grown in dimension and scope. It has achieved a greater cultural connection. I have always been fascinated with the making of miniature formations in a defined space, but I could not understand why I found these compositions so intriguing. After some research, I discovered that my creations bear a striking resemblance to the Kongo Minkisi:

        The name of the thing that we use to help a person when that 
        person is sick and from which we obtain health; the name
        refers to leaves and medicines combined together….

This revelation gave my work a cultural reference and perspective. It has become more thematic. I have an increased understanding of the interplay of the properties of color texture and form. In response to my research on ethnic design, my work aims to denote ethnic identity as well as individuation. 

An informed and research-based creative experience is the direction I am charting for my artistic development so that I may conclusively come to terms with, “Why I create the way I do”, the driving force behind my work. 
—From Brandywine Workshop and Archives records

I dwell on the spiritual and soulful, below the earth, explanation for my art making. My goal is to express the messages from the unconscious. This communion involves the human ritual of making objects which please and acknowledge the soul of self and those of the global family of humans.
_{—Excerpted from https://art.state.gov/personnel/martina_johnson-allen/, accessed 6-25-2021}