The Devil’s Doctor” by Karena “Kidd” Graves
Step through Door 4 on the upper level of PTI, past the Airport Authority Office, and you’ll find The Devil’s Doctor by North Carolina artist Karena “Kidd” Graves. This tapestry delves into African American folklore and healing traditions. This mixed-media artwork tells the story of the blue heron, known in African American folklore as the Devil’s Doctor, symbolizing nature, healing, and storytelling. Graves uses repurposed materials like steel and yarn and finds objects to explore African American dream symbolism and oral traditions. Graves continues to push the boundaries of textile art in innovative ways.
In The Devil’s Doctor, the blue heron takes center stage. Known in folklore for its knowledge of herbs and healing, the bird is depicted entering a household in search of natural remedies to treat the Devil’s ailments. This piece is more than an artwork; it’s an homage to ancestral knowledge, natural remedies, and the enduring power of storytelling. Graves invites you to reflect on the connections between the past and the present, nature and nurture, and healing and heritage.
Next time you pass through PTI, pause at The Devil’s Doctor. It’s not just a visual experience; it’s a journey through the stories that shape us and the traditions that ground us.
