Alexis Peskine: Forest Figures

In "Forest Figures" at October Gallery, Alexis Peskine delves into the healing powers of ancestral African spirituality through large-scale mixed-media portraits. Using nails hammered into wooden canvases, Peskine draws inspiration from the spiritually charged Minkisi figures of the Congo Basin. His work incorporates natural elements like tree trunks, shells, and spiritually significant herbs, while also exploring Afro-Brazilian spirituality and the Orisha spirits of the Yoruba belief system. Peskine’s use of materials and intricate techniques reflects the richness of the African diaspora and offers a powerful retelling of colonial histories.