Ernesto Montenegro: Juniper Fuse: Pandemic Scrapbook

July 5-August 15, 2024

Artist’s reception, Friday, July 12, 2024 6-8pm

in conjunction with Northampton’s Arts Night Out

The poet Clayton Eshleman uses the term “juniper fuse” in place of the word “wick” on an ancient lamp, as a metaphor for the awakening of a new consciousness in prehistoric man. Likewise, my show “Juniper Fuse: Pandemic Scrapbook” records my awakening during these troubled times. From 2019-2024, my work has focused on a spirit of resilience and resistance in the subjects and persons here represented. It has reflected the elasticity of the human spirit to overcome hunger, tyranny, dark times, doing anything necessary to regain a sense of joy and value in life. Jazz music is a perfect illustration of this human spirit, a light through a tunnel of darkness.

The favelados came out of my chance reading of the book Child of the Dark, a diary by Carolina Maria de Jesus, in which she describes the extreme poverty of people living in Brazil. Fighters, boxers, and wrestlers are an answer to muscling my way out of this imposed isolation. I have made portraits of individuals who have overcome immense obstacles or opposed the system, their defiance a litmus test of bravery against huge odds. Surrounding myself with images of strong characters, made in my studio, is what acted as my “juniper fuse” to light the way out of darkness.