The Held Breath

The Held Breath centers on the monstera leaf as a symbol suspended between life and death. Inspired by Japanese Zen Buddhist traditions and the impermanence of existence, artist Tané Andrews presents 28 monstera leaves that will gradually die over the exhibition's duration, while the viewer sees only four perpetually alive. The leaves hang from meticulously designed stainless-steel armatures above hand-blown glass vases made by local artisans. These structures reference support systems for aging trees in Japanese gardens, drawing parallels to practices like bonsai and foot binding—instances where life is shaped and manipulated. Andrews visits the gallery regularly to remove deceased leaves and replace them with new ones, creating a living procession that confronts mortality and the futility of human attempts to control nature's inevitable cycles.