Kissing Branches explores the natural phenomenon of inosculation*, in which trees that stand side by side grow until their branches meet. Such branches collide above the ground, swayed by arbitrary winds. Eventually, their hard bark exterior is worn away at these points of contact, gradually exposing their soft centres to one another. Once lips part and vulnerabilities meet, a new layer of bark grows to seal the encounter, allowing them to merge and be stronger together. Such a romantic gesture of nature reflects how our human bonds are formed. How can they strengthen us by way of revealing our innermost gentle elements. Still, as with any connection, the possibility of severance hangs in the periphery, serving as a reminder to cherish and protect your kissing branches.
* Inosculation – from the Latin word osculare, which translates to “kissing”
About the artist:
Nathanaël Roman is a Vilnius-based Irish artist, operating pencils under the name of Pipe & Pallet. Ever experimenting with diverse techniques and styles, from illustrations and hand-drawn frame-by-frame animations personifying dreamlike objects and distorting the human form, to building interactive electronic kinetic objects and primitive sound-generating instruments, all maintaining a DIY ethic. More often than not, there is some sonic background or connection to his visual work, and both roles of sound and image fully merge to form the surreal scenes in his work.
About the gallery:
Part-Time Gallery is a full-time gallery space operated by Biedrība Neatlaidība (Association “Persistence”). The association and the gallery focus on local, context-responsive spatial art practices and illustration.
Artist Nathanaël Roman
Curator Association Persistence
Venue Part Time Gallery
Text Author Nathanaël Roman
Photography Credits Pauls Rietums
Part Time Gallery, Riga
Exhibition Dates 14.04.25. – 17.05.25
