Faulkner’s Trees | An Exhibition of Block Prints by Memphis Artist Martha Kelly

Oxford, Mississippi – A Deep Dive into Southern Culture

The tranquil town of Oxford, Mississippi has been a historical ground for southern culture, artworks and literature. Now, it is set to grace its citizens with a mélange of cultural artifacts at William Faulkner’s ancestral residence, Rowan Oak.

An Ode to Mother Nature

In a captivating collaboration between art and nature, Memphis artist Martha Kelly exhibits her remarkable block prints in the event titled ‘Faulkner’s Trees‘. Paying a fitting tribute to the grandeur of the trees at Rowan Oak, Martha’s retrospective spans months of painstaking work and passion.

Showcasing the Silent Spectators of History

The groves at Rowan Oak have long been standing as silent spectators of southern history. From witnessing the penning down of Faulkner’s prodigious literature to observing countless sunrises and sunsets, these trees encapsulate the very spirit of Oxford. Artist Martha Kelly, in her collection, brings alive this quiet essence, helping viewers appreciate and understand the subtle stories that these trees have to tell.

Genesis of Faulkner’s Trees

An ardent lover of nature, Martha Kelly reminisces about the genesis of this exhibition, when upon her frequent visits to Rowan Oak, she was deeply moved by the majesty of these trees. Each of them seemed to be telling a story of their own, and Martha felt the urge to narrate those stories, not in words, but in the language of her art.

An Intersection of Past and Present

Martha’s creation combines the past and the present, using traditional block printing techniques to capture the timeless beauty of these trees. The intricate details of her prints invite visitors to delve into a world where history meets nature, leading to the birth of a unique visual symphony.

The Exhibition Details

The novel exhibition will be on display through January. Visitors can explore the collection at their own pace, experiencing a renewed sense of admiration and appreciation for their city’s natural heritage. If the initial response from the art aficionados is any indication, this comprehensive exposition promises to further evoke curiosity and fascination amid Oxford’s passionate cultural community.

Her Love for Block Printing

A woman of many talents, Kelly’s special affinity towards block prints lends a distinctive quality to her art. She believes that the charm of hand-pressed prints has never faded and continues to fascinate her as an artist. In her words, ‘Every print is original, every print tells a story.’

How art meets life, meets story

Insightfully, Kelly not only captures the still presentness of Faulkner’s trees but also incorporates the moving dynamism of their stories, as though bringing the spectators closer to Faulkner’s world. Martha Kelly’s exhibition, in essence, demonstrates art’s transformative power to transcend time and space, connecting humankind with beloved elements of nature.