Gina DeCagna: The Dust Among Greener Leaves
Gina DeCagna, Fort Greene Oak, Brooklyn, 2023
In The Dust Among Greener Leaves, artist Gina DeCagna presents a new body of work exploring the symbolism of trees, plants and fungi. The new works are inspired by walks in Richmond, London and her home region across New Jersey and New York City. The exhibition also includes detailed drawings, a layered paper installation, and poetic letters to a royal oak tree.
This exhibition looks at the myths and stories that have shaped how trees are viewed in British and American culture. DeCagna encourages visitors to take a break from the rush of everyday life and reconnect with the wonder of nature. A research and storytelling area highlights the ideas of well-known scientists and writers. From Charles Darwin, who studied how life evolves, to Emily Dickinson, who captured the beauty of the natural world in poetry.
This exhibition is part of the Emerging Artist Programme 2024-25. The programme is dedicated to supporting early-career artists within the first 10 years of their practice.
About Gina DeCagna
Gina DeCagna is an American artist who has been living and working in London for the past six years. She earned her MFA from Goldsmiths, University of London in 2020, following her BA in English, Creative Writing, and Fine Arts from the University of Pennsylvania in 2016 in Philadelphia, PA. Her work has been shown in solo and group exhibitions across London, Philadelphia, and New York. In addition to her visual art, her critical writing and poetry have appeared in various small-press and independent cultural publications.
Opening Celebration
The Opening Celebration for The Dust Among Greener Leaves will be on Saturday 5 April from 2-4pm. DeCagna will lead the event with a reading and interactive walk-through of the exhibition. Meet the artist behind the exhibition as she welcomes conversation and participation.
