River Reishi’s "Surface Tension" Captures Surreal Salon 18, Exploring Liminality and Ephemerality

Baton Rouge, LA – The Baton Rouge Gallery’s annual Surreal Salon, a celebrated showcase of the uncanny and the imaginative, has once again drawn significant attention, this year with River Reishi’s evocative sculpture, "Surface Tension," taking home the coveted Best in Show award. Selected by esteemed guest juror and renowned artist Swoon (Caledonia Curry), Reishi’s winning piece captivated attendees and critics alike with its profound exploration of thresholds, fragility, and the hidden depths of existence. This interview delves into the genesis of "Surface Tension," Reishi’s artistic journey, her deep admiration for Swoon’s work, and her upcoming international projects, offering a comprehensive look at a rising star in the contemporary art scene.

The Triumph of "Surface Tension": A Moment Between Worlds

River Reishi’s "Surface Tension" is more than just a sculpture; it is an experience. The artwork depicts a figure emerging from dark, seemingly still water, her hands reaching forward as if on the cusp of breaking through into our reality. This powerful imagery captures the universal fascination with liminal spaces – those in-between states that are neither fully here nor there.

"The piece is called ‘Surface Tension’," Reishi explained during an in-depth conversation. "It shows a figure emerging from dark water, her hands reaching forward as if she is about to break through the surface and step into our world. She is half submerged, suspended in that strange moment between two realms." This duality is central to the work’s impact. From a distance, the surface of water appears smooth and unassuming, but Reishi emphasizes its concealed complexity. "From land, the surface of water looks smooth and transparent, almost empty. But of course it hides an entire world that is not ours. I have always been fascinated by that threshold. The installation tries to hold that exact moment where the two worlds meet."

The subtle details of "Surface Tension" contribute to its otherworldly allure. The sculpture emits a faint internal glow, a detail that, while sometimes elusive in bright gallery lighting, offers a "quiet surprise" upon closer inspection. This luminescence hints at an inner life, a nascent energy within the submerged figure. "The sculpture also glows faintly from within," Reishi noted, "which was a little hard to see in the bright gallery lighting but becomes visible as you approach. I like that quiet surprise. The piece looks still at first, but there is a sense that something is about to happen."

Reishi further draws a poignant connection between her art and the local environment, acknowledging the powerful and often unpredictable nature of water, particularly in Louisiana and the Gulf region. "Water is often a symbol of life, but it also carries danger and power. Louisiana and the Gulf region know that reality very well. I think some of that tension found its way into the work." This resonance with the regional experience imbues "Surface Tension" with an additional layer of meaning for those familiar with the area’s relationship with its waterways.

The surrounding environment of the sculpture is as integral as the figure itself. A field of loose, hand-drawn black sand and amber encircles the piece, creating an ephemeral landscape. This deliberate choice highlights Reishi’s interest in impermanence and the transient nature of artistic expression. "The black sand surrounding the sculpture is loose and hand-drawn into patterns, so the installation only exists in that form for a short time. Even small vibrations change it. I am interested in that fragility, in works that cannot quite stay fixed." This inherent instability ensures that each viewing of "Surface Tension" is unique, a fleeting moment captured for observation.

The emotional weight of winning Best in Show at Surreal Salon 18, under the discerning eye of Swoon, was palpable. "It was already an honor to be included in a show curated by Caledonia Curry (Swoon)," Reishi confessed. "When I arrived to install the piece and saw the other works for the first time, I remember thinking how haunting and memorable every single one was. So hearing the piece announced as Best in Show later that night felt surreal in the truest sense."

A Deep Dive into the Surreal Salon Experience

Reishi’s connection to the Surreal Salon extends beyond this year’s triumphant participation. She had followed the event for years, drawn by its reputation within the pop surrealist art community. "I had heard about the Surreal Salon through the pop surrealist art community for years, but this was the first time I lived close enough to attend in person," she shared. The Salon’s reputation for its vibrant, almost carnival-like atmosphere, often described as an unofficial kickoff to Mardi Gras, had piqued her interest. "I kept hearing that it felt a little like an unofficial kickoff to Mardi Gras season, that people came in elaborate costumes and that the whole evening had this celebratory, slightly otherworldly atmosphere."

This year, Reishi witnessed firsthand the unique way attendees engage with the art. The tradition of elaborate costumes took on a new dimension as some visitors drew direct inspiration from the exhibited works. "What I did not realize until participating this year was that some people actually design their costumes based on the artwork in the exhibition. That was amazing to see." The highlight for Reishi was a personal encounter with an attendee whose costume was directly influenced by "Surface Tension." "At one point someone came up to me wearing a costume inspired by my piece, and getting to watch him model it and explain how the sculpture influenced the design completely made my night. It felt like the work had briefly stepped out of the gallery and into the room!" This profound moment of artistic dialogue underscored the immersive and interactive nature of the Surreal Salon.

The Enduring Influence of Swoon

The selection of Swoon as the guest juror for Surreal Salon 18 held particular significance for River Reishi. Swoon’s groundbreaking work, characterized by her intricate stencil portraits and large-scale installations, has long been an inspiration. Reishi’s admiration stems from Swoon’s fearless approach to art-making and her ability to traverse various mediums and public spaces.

"I have admired Swoon’s work for a long time, especially her installations and the way she moves between sculpture, architecture, and public intervention," Reishi stated. She specifically recalled Swoon’s seminal "Swimming Cities of Serenissima" project at the 2009 Venice Biennale. "I first heard about her in 2009 when she brought the Swimming Cities of Serenissima project to the Venice Biennale. A fleet of sculptural rafts floating into one of the most formalized spaces in the art world was such an unforgettable gesture." This act of bringing art directly into a prestigious, established art world setting without seeking conventional approval resonated deeply with Reishi’s own artistic ethos. "The act of arriving that way, without waiting for institutional permission, became part of the artwork itself. That kind of boldness has always stayed with me."

Reishi further elaborated on Swoon’s impact, particularly in challenging established art world norms. "It is difficult to break into the art world, especially in spaces where voice is carefully selected and curated. Seeing an artist carve out space for herself so creatively was incredibly inspiring." Swoon’s more recent work, such as the Sibylant Sisters project, has also captured Reishi’s attention, particularly its exploration of myth and storytelling. "I also love the direction her work has been taking recently with the Sibylant Sisters project. My own work is deeply inspired by myth and storytelling, so it has been fascinating to watch her develop that world, creating her own oracle cards and building a living mythology around the work. There is something powerful about artists inventing symbolic languages that people can enter into." The opportunity to have Swoon engage with her installation was, for Reishi, a profoundly meaningful moment. "So having the chance to meet her and have her encounter one of my installations was a very meaningful moment for me."

The Fluidity of Process and Medium

River Reishi’s artistic practice is characterized by a fluid approach to materials and mediums, with sculpture and installation often taking center stage. This versatility stems from a deep-seated belief that the idea should dictate the material, rather than the other way around. "I am not sure I feel comfortable in any single medium, and I think that is probably a good thing," Reishi admitted. "I tend to move toward whatever material feels necessary for the idea at hand."

Her early artistic development was shaped by practical constraints, which ultimately became a source of creative innovation. "In many ways my practice grew out of practical constraints. For a long time I did not have a large studio, so I had to find ways of making work that could expand into a space temporarily and then disappear again. Sand, modular sculptural elements, and ephemeral materials all emerged from that reality." These limitations evolved into a distinct artistic language, one that embraces fragility and transformation. "Over time those limitations became part of the language of the work itself. I am drawn to materials that hold a sense of fragility and transformation."

Installation, for Reishi, offers the most potent avenue for realizing her conceptual ambitions. It allows her to create immersive environments where the viewer becomes an active participant in the narrative. "Installation allows me to build an environment around the sculpture where those ideas can unfold more fully, where the viewer is not just looking at an object but stepping into a moment or a story."

Echoes of Influence and Moments of Revelation

The development of an artist’s voice is often a complex tapestry woven from the threads of various influences. For Reishi, particularly as a woman navigating the art world, the concept of "voice" carries a profound significance. "Voice is an interesting concept to me as a woman, because women often face particular obstacles when it comes to the emergence of voice. It takes a certain measure of audacity to say something and commit it to art. In a way you are asking the world to listen."

This understanding fuels her admiration for artists who boldly claim their space. "Because of that, I am especially inspired by women who make art without asking permission." She reiterated the powerful example of Swoon’s "Swimming Cities," highlighting not just the artistic gesture but the underlying confidence it represented. "That gesture has always stayed with me, not only because of the work itself but because of the confidence behind it. The willingness to claim space in a world that does not always easily offer it. Moments like that remind me that voice is not only about what you say as an artist, but about allowing yourself to say it at all. That idea continues to shape the way I approach my own work."

Beyond artistic influences, moments of profound visual experience can reignite creative fervor. Reishi shared a recent encounter at the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City that left a lasting impression. "As for the last artwork that made me stop in my tracks, I recently visited the Museo Nacional de Antropología in Mexico City. Walking through the galleries of figurative ceramics from different regions of Mexico was completely mesmerizing. The Mayan ceramics in particular took my breath away. There is so much spirit in them, such a sense of presence. I encountered one ceramic face that affected me deeply. I have gone back to see it several times now, and each time I leave feeling more inspired to return to sculpture." This deep connection with ancient figurative art underscores Reishi’s ongoing dialogue with history and the enduring power of material expression.

Charting a Global Trajectory: Iceland and Beyond

River Reishi’s artistic endeavors are not confined to a single geographical location. Her upcoming projects signal a growing international presence, demonstrating her commitment to engaging with diverse landscapes and cultural contexts. This summer, she is set to embark on a residency at Raf Gallery in Reykjavik, Iceland, a country that has already deeply influenced her aesthetic.

"This summer I will be working with Raf Gallery in Reykjavik, Iceland during the month of August," Reishi announced. The timing of her residency is particularly auspicious, coinciding with significant celestial and cultural events. "A total solar eclipse will pass directly over Reykjavik on August 12, and later that month the city celebrates Menningarnótt, a large citywide festival of arts and culture." Her exhibition will explore the mythology of Baltic amber, a material that resonates deeply with her own artistic interests, and its connection to eclipse mythology and the interplay of light and darkness. "Raf Gallery works with both artwork and Baltic amber jewelry, and I have always been drawn to amber as both a material and a mythological object. For the exhibition I will be installing sculpture and a sand installation that tells the myth of the birth of Baltic amber while also reflecting on eclipse mythology and the relationship between darkness and light."

Her signature ephemeral sand installations will take on a new dimension in Iceland, utilizing local materials and fostering community engagement. "The sand will come from the local shoreline, and at the end of the exhibition I invite the community to dismantle the installation with me. We carry the sand back to the ocean and return it with a wish, prayer, or intention." This participatory element underscores Reishi’s belief in the communal and spiritual dimensions of art. The stark beauty of Iceland’s volcanic beaches, a direct inspiration for her earlier works, makes this residency particularly meaningful. "I love Iceland deeply. The black sand I often use in my installations was inspired by the volcanic beach at Reynisfjara, so being able to create work there during such a rare celestial moment feels very meaningful."

Reishi expresses a preference for diverse exhibition contexts, embracing both traditional gallery spaces and more unconventional venues. "As for where I like to show my work, I enjoy many different contexts. My installations have appeared in galleries, museums, empty storefronts, and even city halls." However, her most cherished spaces for ephemeral work remain natural environments. "But my favorite place for ephemeral work is the beach." She fondly recalls past experiences creating temporary altars on the Washington State coast, highlighting the profound beauty of transient artistic expressions. "When I lived near the sea in Washington State, friends and I would sometimes build temporary altars from flowers, driftwood, shells, and plants as offerings to the water. The tide would slowly carry everything away. There is something very special about building something together that only exists for that one night."

The Unfolding Narrative of Surreal Salon 18

The Surreal Salon experience, for River Reishi, was an immersion in vibrant creativity and unexpected moments. "The whole evening had an incredible energy," she reflected. "The costumes alone were extraordinary, and everywhere you looked there was another small moment of creativity unfolding. Music, conversation, artists reconnecting, people discovering work for the first time. It felt celebratory in the best way."

A particularly revealing incident occurred early in the evening, a minor accident that, paradoxically, illuminated the essence of her work. "There was also an unexpected moment early in the night. Someone accidentally backed into the platform holding my installation, and when the platform shifted the sand vibrated and many of the detailed designs disappeared." Fortunately, no one was harmed, but the event served as a powerful demonstration of the installation’s inherent fragility. "Thankfully the person who tripped was completely fine, which was the most important thing. But in a strange way the moment also revealed something essential about the work. Some people had assumed the sand had been glued down or painted in place. When it shifted, it suddenly became clear that the entire surface was loose and hand-drawn."

Reishi’s calm and deliberate response to the incident further underscored her connection to her art. "I sat beside the piece and carefully repaired it, re-drawing the patterns into the sand and amber while people watched." This act of meticulous restoration, witnessed by attendees, became a poignant metaphor for the artistic process itself and the temporary nature of the artwork. "For me that moment captured the spirit of the work. The installation only existed in that exact form on that particular night. It could be recreated, but it would never be exactly the same again. Everyone there was witnessing something temporary, something that belonged only to that moment in time. And in a way that felt very fitting for the Surreal Salon itself."

Artist Biography

River Reishi is a multidisciplinary artist whose sculptures and ephemeral sand installations explore myth, grief, and the mysterious threshold between worlds. Drawing on feminine water deities and ancient storytelling traditions, she works with materials such as sand, amber, and light to create environments that exist only briefly in time.

Discover more of River Reishi’s work at riverreishi.com and follow her on Instagram at @riverreishi.