Layers of Meaning

Janet Henry - Bead Chronicles

"Visual artist Janet Olivia Henry is a born storyteller. Her work includes words and phrases spelled out as exquisite or eye-popping garlands of unique beads; or photographic installations of dolls accompanied by life narratives which are eerily familiar." This is movement and energy in beading as I have never known it; beading unleashed, unfurling it's wild potential. The colors are richly evocative.

"Since 1978 Janet Henry has been perfecting her unique visual language by literally collecting bits and pieces of the society she observes. Henry builds major works by accumulation and the assemblage of smaller components. Her finished works are social commentaries and reactions to the city and the people that have drawn her attention." This statement was from her 2002 show at PPOW. Henry's work consisted of beads and artifacts strung and looped into words. Another exhibit had an installation of beaded words strung down the hallway. And then there is "Oh just shut up!" - an installation of beads, paint and writings.

"I've been influenced by Yoruba dance costumes, rural Japanese packaging, West Indian carnival costumes and European sculpture, painting and drawing," says Henry. "I like to think that my work chronicles the lives of the people and situations that get my attention. I'm curious about the ways in which culture manifests itself physically. I'm fascinated by the things that people use to symbolize themselves."