Asser St Val
The fascination with the origins of skin color has been a constant source of inspiration for me, particularly the significance of my dark skin. This curiosity deepened when I relocated from Haiti to the United States, encountering racial discrimination during my teenage years. In response, I embarked on a journey of self-exploration, translating my understandings into paintings and later into multi-sensory interactive art installations. The quest to understand my identity led me to delve into the realms of neuromelanin and the pineal gland, exploring their connections to spirituality, magic, and thought forms.
Neuromelanin, a dark pigment secreted by the pineal gland at the center of the brain, prompted my investigation. René Descartes proposed that the pineal gland is "the principal seat of the soul, and the place in which all our thoughts are formed," while Dr. Richard King suggested it serves as a biological doorway for the life force of African spirituality, bridging the spirit and material realms.
My artwork, characterized by ambiguity and quasi-figurative elements, addresses key themes in contemporary discussions about neuromelanin. Employing a mix of traditional art mediums and unconventional organic materials, my creations offer a surreal exploration of under-recognized African-American inventors and the intricate aesthetics, narratives, and metaphors associated with the organic pigment.
In my latest body of work, 'Magical Entities,' I delve into the realms of creative magic and the endeavor to master my subconscious mind. Magic, as I see it, opens a door to mystery and wildness while operating within. In a world that often deceives us into feeling alone and powerless, spiritually, we transcend these misrepresentations of ourselves. Drawing inspiration from the experiences of shamans worldwide, I create mixed media paintings that symbolize a journey into intention and enlightenment. Each artwork becomes a symbolic object, space, alter, or magical sigil, charting a specific path and defining my personal reality. Combining modern magical methods, inspired by Hermetic Magic, with common magical formulas and coincidence, I infuse each art object or environment with my imagination and essence.
My artistic process aims to manipulate my subconscious mind, provoking contemplation about the self, reality, and imagination. The spiritual essence of neuromelanin and the inner light has the potential to connect us to a higher state—a universal consciousness that unites us all as human beings.
