SHHH ANGEL
Debuted in 2019, Rachel Lee Hovnanian created the cherubic centerpiece of her installation Taped Shut, a patina green bronze bust, with two pieces of tape covering its mouth, representing this suppression of truth. The work alludes to the ways in which censorship can result in emotional and psychological turmoil for its victims and witnesses.
Our reluctance to speak our truths can stem from the fear of being scrutinized, not believed, or even villainized, which has led countless people to remain silent. The existence of angels is un-provable, just as accusations in the instance of abuse may frequently be void of any tangible evidence. Therefore, we are left to judge between fact and fiction based on perception, preconceived notions, and ultimately, belief. Given the current political and social climate in America and worldwide it is vital to address the countless individuals that have been silenced by societal pressures and institutional forces. Much like Hovnanian’s oeuvre as a whole, this piece delves into the embedded societal mores that reveal the dichotomy between our intrinsic value systems and our public selves. Rachel Lee Hovnanian has centered her art practice on conveying potent conceptual narratives through works that resonate both individually and universally.
Shhh (Bronze), 2019 | Bronze | 15 x 26 x 9 inches
