There is something very mystical and transcendent about the work of multi-media artist Xaviera Simmons. I was introduced to her work by Ben Tischer at Invisible-Exports Gallery as part of the Lush Life exhibition, and was particularly drawn to her Owl Xerox print. But when I saw a photograph taken by Simmons of herself standing next to another woman both wearing masks perched in stillness, I became even more curious to know who this artist is. The owl is an ancient animal with symbolic associations including wisdom, foresight, messenger of secrets, as well as companions to seers and mystics, and mystery. Simmons surely exudes a plethora of mystery in her work. With a background in photography, Simmons has no desire to stick to just one medium.

Owl (1) 2010

Her photographs are often staged, but with a strong awareness of how she communicates with her surroundings. She doesn’t consider them self-portraits, but more of a narrative theatrical act. I couldn’t agree with her more here, in a sense, as I dig deeper into her work it feels as if I’m connecting excerpts leading to a larger whole. Although soft-spoken, she is not shy of showing powerful imagery to her viewers, especially in examining an African-American identity. Simmons is currently one of the Greater New York artists, which is still on view at MoMa PS1 until October 18, 2010.

Untitled (2), 2008

Images courtesy of Invisible-Exports