7/19/2023 0 Comments Calli forgotitWhile the works are always intellectually engaging and meticulous in both production and thinking, there is a deep sense of spiritual seeking, of visualizing and untangling of the knots that must exist within Calli’s own search for position in the world, for meaning. They are forcing us to confront our own journeys, histories, and selves without kid gloves, while they themself find transformation within their process. Roche isn’t hiding behind overused tropes or images that shy away from conflict or confrontation, they are not trying to make us comfortable to adhere to a status quo. This led me further toward their portals and repurposing of the cages and holding spaces, spaces for transformation. Taking ownership over objects so as to use them in ways the artist felt necessary, from somewhere deep within, pushed the conveyance of Roche’s story and sense of contemplation into a space where I felt curious, connected, and immediately self reflective in my own right. The brilliance of choosing such iconic and accessible objects that speak to culture, yet working new materials into them and re-positioning them to evoke a new narrative, a specific journey, is honestly something that gleefully pulled me into Roche’s way of seeing and confronting the world. I was excited by the way implements of conflict and sport which bring a number of cultural and historical connections to the table in their own being, were utilized by Roche and combined with other materials opening up a myriad of new contexts and conversations, directly confronting their position in society and history. It was a great entry point into their world. A pair of nunchucks made of hot combs in resin with wood and a brass chain titled Self Defense jumped out at me. I first saw Roche’s work in person at Housing Gallery in early 2021. This building has deep history, and now Callie Roche is part of that history, not surprising at all given the tenacity and vision they possess. We met up on Suffolk street, just down the block from the former public school building that houses the LES Studio Program run by Artist Alliance where they are a current artist in residence. Much like their work, they tackle some of the deepest chasms and questions of existence and tensions in the world with a sort of natural alchemical understanding and faith in the idea that what must, what needs to come into being will do exactly that from their skilled hands. Calli Roche’s finesse in the wake of life’s turmoils is something to behold. An empowered air of propulsion at their back, not explosivity but an intuitive jet stream of guided calm intensity. Calli has a very distinct walk, almost intimidating, considering every step in the space around them, exuding the energy of some sort of neuromancer or powerful Black sorcerer from a world in the future past. I sat at a cafe and caught a glimpse of them walking up out of the corner of my eye. I met up with Calli Roche on one of those perfect early fall days where the air is just cool enough to feel like autumn, yet still coats your skin in a glimpse of warmth as multi-color leaves drape the planters and curbs.
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