This spring, prepare to be enchanted as the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden unveils “Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture,” a groundbreaking exhibition that showcases the extraordinary collaboration between renowned New York-based sculptor Kate Raudenbush and multidisciplinary artist Sha Michele. The world premiere of Incanto will run from April 29th to October 29th, 2023, with an exclusive member preview scheduled for April 28th.
Featuring five meticulously crafted allegorical sculptures, each accompanied by a poignant poem, “Incanto” seeks to transport visitors on a journey of self-discovery and foster a profound connection with others and the natural world. This premiere exhibition celebrates the creative union between Raudenbush and Michele, a friendship forged within the legendary Burning Man community.
Carefully designed to be in dialogue with the picturesque landscape of the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, each sculpture invites guests to step inside and experience the awe-inspiring heights of up to seventeen feet. These portals to other realms of thought, meaning, and healing create a transformative space for exploration and introspection.
For an even more immersive experience, the Incanto sculptures are dramatically lit from within during evening hours, from May 3rd to October 28th, on Wednesdays through Saturdays until 9 p.m. This multi-sensory journey extends the invitation to delve further into the exhibition’s depths under the cover of night.
The Garden has also teamed up with Gallery5 and other community partners to present Incanto-related events on the second Friday evening of each month from May to September. For more information on these exciting collaborations, consult the Garden’s calendar of events.
The debut of these original works of sculpture and poetry provides an intimate exploration of the human condition, inviting guests into a sacred space of self-inquiry. As each sculpture emerges from the lush garden landscape, it engages in a dialogue with a corresponding poem, sparking creative thought and transforming the space with questions and incantations.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS:
Kate Raudenbush, an accomplished artist with an international presence, creates illuminated, allegorical environments at the intersection of sculpture and architecture. Her work has been featured in various esteemed exhibitions and publications, including the Smithsonian Museum’s No Spectators: the Art of Burning Man and the Hangaram Art Museum in Seoul, South Korea. Raudenbush’s upcoming sculptures include Ignis Aqua, a stainless steel tidal wave incorporating live fire effects, and Incanto, the immersive allegorical sculptures for Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden.
Sha Michele, a New York City-based artist, captivates audiences with her mastery of words, jewels, and drama. With a background in classical Latin poetry and a versatile acting career, Michele’s artistic pursuits have spanned various mediums and themes. Her deeply introspective poems explore the space between humans, yearning, and lift-off, while her 2018 solo exhibition in Lisbon, Portugal, showcased her jewelry-art, which delves into questions of heritage, cultural definitions, and belonging. In 2023, Michele will partner with Raudenbush for the premiere exhibition of Incanto, a testament to their friendship and shared creative vision.
For more information on Incanto: An Oasis of Lyrical Sculpture: HERE
Main photo by Tom Hennessy
