A Post Contemporary Art Gallery
JOAN
BEARD
About
“Direct Revelations” explores our intimate, tactile relationship with nature. Through this body of work, Beard reawakened her deep sense of belonging to the earth—a bond forged in childhood, clambering across rocks, gazing into tidal pools alive with periwinkles and coralline algae, and feeling the trees’ quiet guardianship. These photographs are a prayer to our interconnectedness, an invitation to remember that we are part of nature, and nature is part of us.
Growing up immersed in the natural world, Beard was fortunate to experience the symbiotic relationship between humanity and the environment. The word symbiosis, derived from the Greek for “living together,” encapsulates this mutuality. Her work reflects this unity, rooted in gratitude and attention to the intricate details of the landscapes where land meets sea—the most fertile, alive ground.
As we face the Climate Crisis, this connection becomes more urgent. Beard’s photographs are observations and meditations on how we can collectively thrive in our environments. They ask us to slow down, pay attention, and reflect:
This exhibit is an interactive experience. In the “Reveal Yourself” postcard series, participants are invited to write a postcard that will be displayed for others to see and eventually sent back to them. This self-reflection encourages a dialogue with oneself and the community, fostering a shared exploration of connection and responsibility. Names and addresses are concealed, maintaining privacy while creating a collective moment of vulnerability and revelation.
“Direct Revelations” is a call to intimacy with the earth. It is a moment to build a new world that begins with gratitude, thrives on connection, and moves forward with wisdom and care.
“What is our role in nurturing a more harmonious relationship with the world around us?" - Joan Beard
