Meet Experimental Artist Janice Lardey - Inside Art with Michael Rose

Meet Experimental Artist Janice Lardey - Inside Art with Michael Rose

 

Textiles that incorporate printed imagery are somewhat ubiquitous commercially. But for experimental artist Janice Lardey fabric is the jumping off point for works in an impressive solo exhibition at WaterFire Arts Center through May 26. Featuring large scale tapestry-like pieces filled with color, pattern, and narratives, the exhibition tells personal stories and celebrates craft.

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Lardey is originally from Ghana and earned her BFA in Painting and Sculpture from Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology before traveling to Rhode Island to take on an MFA in Printmaking at RISD. Widely exhibited, Lardey is now teaching at RISD and was the recipient of a 2024 Interlace Project Grant, which provided some of the funding for the artist’s show on view now at WaterFire.

 

 

The exhibition is impressively conceived and floor-to-ceiling walls made of fabric create intimate rooms where viewers can appreciate Lardey’s artworks, which are installed with clothes pins. The bright and potent images on her textiles are accompanied by stools reminiscent of those found in Ghanaian homes, which bear the text of letters to her correspondents. The work probes feminist themes and personal histories.

 

Reflecting on the installation, the artist says, “I am truly pleased with how the fabric walls came together. When I first conceived of this project, I envisioned a maze installation that would encapsulate the stories I was sculpting from the interviews with my family. The maze served as a metaphor for the diverse experiences each interviewee embodied, weaving their narratives into an interconnected whole. It was a significant departure from my usual textile pieces hung on walls, presenting a daunting but exhilarating challenge. With the invaluable support of the WaterFire team, however, my vision became a reality.

 

The quality of the exhibition is impressive and it brings viewers face-to-face with Lardey’s art in an environment that goes beyond traditional expectations of a gallery setting.

 

 

Lardey continues, “The journey from initial concept to final installation involved numerous adjustments and material explorations, eventually leading me to the choice of burlap. This material had strong connection to the roots of trade, exports/import, and packaging in Ghana. The maze installation idea not only evoked the intimate partitioning found in Ghanaian homes but also lent a captivating translucency to the walls, inviting visitors to explore each space individually. I am particularly pleased with how the fabric walls create a sense of veiled allure, guiding viewers through a narrative-rich experience where each piece can be encountered in its own intimate setting.”

 

Asked about her time involved in the local art scene so far, Lardey largely credits her alma mater for connecting her with resources and a local network. She explains, “My experience as part of the Rhode Island arts community has been both enriching and challenging. Coming to the States without immediate family ties was daunting, but Rhode Island embraced me warmly. My time as a graduate student at RISD was instrumental in connecting me with the vibrant local art scene. From the captivating lightning event, to the abundance of art grants and public projects, art communities, Rhode Island has provided fertile ground for artistic growth. Being part of RISD has opened doors to numerous opportunities, allowing me to immerse myself fully in the rich tapestry of Rhode Island’s artistic landscape.”

 

 

Lardey’s artworks show off how much she embraces exploration. They blur the traditional boundaries that separate fields like printmaking and fibers, craft and fine art. Looking at them, viewers will take away a desire to learn more.

 

Looking forward to what is next for her after this major solo project, Lardey says, “As for the next chapter of my artistic journey, I am filled with anticipation and a sense of openness to new possibilities. While the path forward may not be entirely clear, I am eager to explore new directions and engage with different subjects in my work. One thing I am particularly excited about is the prospect of telling the stories of others through my art. Whether through collaborative projects or solo endeavors, I see my artistic practice evolving to encompass a broader range of narratives and perspectives. Ultimately, I hope to continue creating work that resonates deeply with audiences and fosters meaningful connections between people and cultures.”

 

 

Janice Lardey is an inventive artist who is bringing an important perspective to the local scene. With this remarkable solo exhibition under her belt, it will be exciting to see what comes next in her creative journey.

 

Sculpting Silent Narratives, featuring the work of artist Janice Lardey, is on view through May 26 at the WaterFire Arts Center. The gallery is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday from 10am - 5pm each day and is open late on Thursdays until 9pm. Plan your visit at www.waterfire.org. Follow Janice Lardey on Instagram at @jlardey.