Sojourner's Grasp

Sojourner’s Grasp

It felt like we were right there.

It was in our grasp 

hands straining inward to meet,

hearts surging with hope,

yet unseen forces press outward,

pushing us apart,

holding us just beyond touch.

Still, we reach,

searching,

grasping.

 - JUNNY

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This piece embodies the moment of reaching hands extended, hearts lifted suspended just before touch. It speaks to the human experience of striving for connection, of longing to hold what always seems just out of reach. The form carries both hope and tension: the beauty of aspiration, the ache of distance, and the enduring belief that even in the space of almost-touch, meaning and possibility are found.

VISIBLE / IN VISIBLE

"An exploration of presence, identity and resilience." - JUNNY Hibbert

This body of work delves into the intricate interplay between what is seen and unseen, heard and unheard. Through sculptural forms and mixed media, Visible /Invisible captures the challenges and triumphs of Black women, balancing the visible strength of cultural pride with the often invisible emotional labor and struggles. Each piece evokes a dialogue between history and modernity, tradition and progress, unity and individuality.

Artist Statement: This sculpture is part of a series of fabric and foam heads that I am creating that explore the themes of race, gender, and identity. I am interested in using these heads to represent the different facets of my own identity as a black woman. I am also interested in exploring the ways in which African textiles and symbols can be used to represent strength, power, and beauty. 

Artist Bio: JUNNY®️ is a multi-hyphenate artist who works in textiles, fiber, and writing. She is known for her fabric and foam heads, which she uses to explore themes of race, gender, and identity. Her work often incorporates repurposed textiles from her work as a fashion designer, as well as materials such as cowrie shells, beading. JUNNY also writes poems and other written works that accompany her art, inviting her audience to journey with her through her exploration of various art forms, textile repurposing, and race, community, culture, and identity.

Copyright © JUNNY® 2024