A walk by a city or neighborhood garden isn’t the only way to be dazzled by color this summer—floral colors and shapes supply the inspiration for the latest MATV Gallery exhibit, titled “Radiant Jasmin—A Flower in Full Bloom,” on view through October 4. For artist Radiant Jasmin, a blossoming flower “represents the opening of the heart and unconditional love,” and she uses a cheery palette filled with strong, vibrant colors to bring joyfulness and happiness to others. Primary colors predominate, but Radiant Jasmin also notes that a lot of her colors “come naturally forward from my African heritage and also my indigenous American [Cherokee] heritage.” At all times, Radiant Jasmin focuses on how the colors interact and play with each other.
The artist might create a striking image easily recognizable as what it is, such as with Tulips Taking it Easy, or explore themes through more abstract images, sometimes in a complementary series of paintings. Her love of the natural world is apparent, and the sun frequently shows up as a motif. As someone “continuously intrigued by how things are put together,” Radiant Jasmin uses various media, yielding works that may be a mix of acrylic paint, fabric, and found materials. As part of her desire to present art that uplifts and has a positive tone, Radiant Jasmin incorporates words and poetry into many of her pieces.
Born and raised in Boston, Radiant Jasmin comes from an artistic family that spans the creative arts, so singing, dancing and performing plays were a way of life. Having attended Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) School and North Bennet Street School, she is also a metalsmith and jewelry designer. Her other artistic endeavors, known to inform her work as a visual artist, include writing and performing poetry, music, and dancing.
Radiant Jasmin, who teaches art at various after-school programs, has previously exhibited at Hancock 309 Gallery in Dorchester, the MFA, Roxbury Open Studios, and the Henson Jackson Art Gallery & Framery in Stoughton. She has also undertaken large-scale projects, creating a mural at Randolph High School in collaboration with students and parents, and contributing a mural to Boston’s Children’s Hospital.
The works on display at MATV show a glimpse of the artist at her different levels. She will also be performing her poetry, dance, and music at the public reception to be held on Wednesday, August 24, from 6:30 to 8:30pm. All are invited to attend. Viewing hours for the exhibit are Monday–Thursday, 10am-9pm; Friday, 10am-6pm; and Saturday, 10am-2pm. Handicapped accessible, Malden Access Television is located at 145 Pleasant St. in Malden Square.
Article by Leslie A. Weston
Gallery Spotlight Click on "Play" to view a video about Radiant Jasmin and her exhibit "In Full Bloom." (Music by Terry Orlando Jones. (c) 2009 Tonia Pinheiro and In the One Music. All Rights Reserved. WakeUpWorks.org.)
