Mercy Hawkins explores the connection between nature and the human body in ‘Waltz of Life & Limb’

The UC Davis alumna and artist brings sculptures and watercolor paintings to the Pence Gallery

By IQRA AHMAD — arts@theaggie.org 

Through Nov. 6, the “Waltz of Life and Limb” exhibition by UC Davis alumna and adjunct faculty member Mercy Hawkins is on display at the Pence Gallery. 

The exhibition features a combination of Hawkins’ sculptural paintings and large-scale watercolor works. Each piece explores the relationship between the human body, natural forms and rhythms of everyday life. 

“Hawkins seeks to answer the internal call, to encounter what the body already knows, from our own inner rhythms, heartbeat and breath, to dancing with wild arms,” according to a description by The Dirt.

Hawkins communicates these intrinsic human experiences of emotion and movement through organic biomorphic shapes, vibrant colors and layered materials. She invites viewers to consider the connection between their own physical experience and the perception of nature. 

Hawkins received her Master of Fine Arts from UC Davis in 2021 and serves as a studio art lecturer at the Manetti Shrem Museum. Her abstract work resembles innate structures from human limbs to tree trunks, flower buds and microscopic organisms. 

Natalie Nelson, director and curator of the Pence Gallery, noted that Hawkins’ ability to combine different materials and concepts initially sparked her interest in presenting the artist’s work. 

“I had seen Mercy’s work in a juried exhibit at the Pence, and it was a really interesting fiber sculpture, large-scale and full of amazing details,” Nelson said. “When I saw a solo exhibit of her work at Sacramento City College a few years after that, I knew that I had to ask her to do a solo exhibit at the Pence.” 

Nelson said Hawkins’ ability to bring together multiple artistic elements while maintaining a sense of curiosity and exploration. 

“Her work combines so many different materials, themes and abstraction in a truly multi-layered way that leaves you eager for more,” Nelson said. “I think that she is so talented, and I’m excited to have her work at Pence.”

The arrangement of the pieces at the exhibition communicates these themes. Rather than displaying each of the pieces as isolated works or objects, Nelson told The Aggie that she approached the installation with an emphasis on incorporating movement and the relationships between the individual works. 

“Mercy was really trusting with the installation, and encouraged me to install the work as I saw fit,” Nelson said. “It was wonderful to alter the layout to emphasize movement, specific forms or color. We tried with the solo sculptures that had fiber hanging mechanisms to make them seem like they jumped from the pedestal, to the wall, to dangling from the ceiling.”

The placement of the sculptures also highlights their resemblance to living organisms. 

“The multiple parts of several of the sculptures were moved into different configurations to emphasize touch, and potential connections between the units,” Nelson said. “Many look like limbs, and have a figurative feel to them. [Because] many of them have trunks and stretch up like trees, we felt they needed to be rooted on the ground, or [a] low riser, to make this connection.”

Many of the sculptural works incorporate materials from older paintings that have been sewn and stitched together, transforming the two-dimensional pieces into three-dimensional forms. 

Hawkins’ work also addresses environmental concerns, particularly the effects of climate change. One piece that depicts melting ice explores the disappearance of glaciers and humanity’s relationship with the changing environment. 

Nelson explained the intentional decisions to place the work in specific locations to encourage viewers to feel a sense of care and compassion toward the pieces and their deeper meanings. 

“I wanted the melting ice piece on the ground to emphasize a protective response to it, as it’s about glaciers melting and climate change — huge topics and parts of our world — but ultimately we need to feel responsible for them,” Nelson said. “And I wanted to see the sculptures connected to the paintings, as they are built from old paintings, sewn and stitched together.”

When asked what conversations she hopes the exhibition will inspire within the Davis community, Nelson pointed directly to environmental awareness. 

“Beyond climate change, the paintings and the sculptures are just beautiful works of abstraction,” Nelson said. “They have amazing colors, shapes and lines that vibrate and move. I think the exhibit is magical, and I hope that people enjoy it for the wonder it stimulates.” 

Until Nov. 6, “Waltz of Life & Limb” is on display at the Pence Gallery, located at 212 D St. in Davis. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Written by: Iqra Ahmad — arts@theaggie.org