Keisha Scarville: “lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound”
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
Written by Oman Morí (@omanmori)
For a photographer, a photo book is a place for self-expression— a support to play, distort, bend, and transcend conventional approaches to showcasing photography. It is a standalone piece of art proposing new perspectives on image interpretation, contingent on both the observer and the contextual backdrop. Crafting a photo book about one's work becomes a tool for the discovery of unconscious motivations and unforeseen narratives latent within the artist. Keisha Scarville's latest book intertwines spaces, temporalities, textures, and mediums to articulate her journey and look up into her history, past, and sense of belonging. This process appears driven by a profound exploration of self within the diasporic experience—a quest where the definitions of home, belonging, memory, and territory are questioned, giving rise to new meanings.
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
Scarville uses archival material, collages, and her photographic work spanning two decades, beginning with an exploration into her parents' diaspora from Guyana. The narrative powerfully expresses a nostalgic sentiment about the country, the transition, and the absent or remaining family members. It features a carefully crafted and intricate structure that surpasses the conventional boundaries of a typical image catalog. Beginning with tactile explorations of textures and surfaces that address the passage of time, it provides readers with a unique and immersive experience that pulls them into another world.The inclusion of shadowy figures establishes a connection to land and history. The central section, featuring formal black-and-white images, defies linear storytelling, offering a multi-temporal collection.
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
Incorporating cosmic elements—fabrics reminiscent of celestial bodies and sketches of planetary orbits—elevates the book into a meditation on the intersection of the earthly and the divine. Scarville seamlessly intertwines ancestral connections with cosmic themes, prompting readers to contemplate the existence of the black body across the past, present, and future simultaneously.
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
The intentional interruption of the main sequence with an archival section proves thought-provoking. Through collages, overlapping images, and Scarville's family history, readers are guided through a non-linear exploration of time, emphasizing the fragility and resilience of memory. The limited use of text strategically punctuates the visual narrative, allowing moments of reflection without overwhelming analysis. Harmony Holiday's essay, "The Black Backstage," contributes insightful reflections, digging into elements within the work rather than imposing an external interpretation.
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
"lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound" challenges preconceived notions of photography. Scarville's exploration of images as sites of transmission and incompleteness pushes the boundaries of the medium. The book encourages readers to reconsider how images shape language, being, and our perception of time and space. It stands as a strong exploration of the complexities of identity, memory, and the intricate dance between personal and cosmic narratives. With its innovative structure, visual language, and collaborations, the book unfolds as a testament to the transformative power of art and storytelling.
Keisha Scarville, from lick of tongue, rub of finger, on soft wound (MACK, 2023). Courtesy of the artist and MACK.
