Emily Janowick’s exhibition at Kate Werble Gallery, titled “Obsession” (2025), is a poignant exploration of familial roots and the artist’s connection to her heritage. The installation features three rows of cornstalks growing in orange Home Depot buckets, arranged on wooden plinths based on their heights. This unique display evokes a sense of both heartache and hope, as Janowick delves into her family history through the cultivation of corn.
The accompanying bright yellow zine, titled “Corn Diary,” provides insight into Janowick’s personal journey with the project. Born and raised in Kentucky, the artist reflects on her ancestry, which includes sharecroppers and moonshiners who relied on corn for survival. A quote from Joan Didion sets the tone for the diary, highlighting the complexity of returning to one’s roots. The zine also includes photographs documenting the artist’s process, from inspiration to execution.
Through her artistic endeavor, Janowick seeks to bridge the gap between herself and her family’s past. The care and dedication she puts into growing the corn reflects a deep emotional investment in the project. She engages with her father to learn more about their family history, using the corn as a medium for connection. Despite her whimsical approach, the artist grapples with feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure, as symbolized by her dreams of the plants dying before the exhibition.
Visitors to the gallery are greeted by the living cornstalks, with budding ears of corn symbolizing growth and potential. The juxtaposition of the artist’s personal struggles with the natural beauty of the plants creates a profound and thought-provoking experience. Janowick’s “Obsession” invites viewers to consider the complexities of family ties and the power of reconnecting with one’s heritage.
The exhibition runs at Kate Werble Gallery until October 11, offering a glimpse into Emily Janowick’s artistic exploration of identity and belonging. Through her unconventional use of corn as a medium, the artist invites us to reflect on our own relationships with the past and the potential for growth and acceptance.
