Maya Angelou’s “Phenomenal Woman” is a powerful ode to self-assurance and female empowerment. In the poem, Angelou celebrates her own unique beauty and presence, rejecting conventional standards of attractiveness. Instead of conforming to society’s expectations, she revels in her own essence and exudes confidence in her identity as a woman. Through her words, Angelou encourages other women to embrace their own uniqueness and recognize their inherent worth, regardless of external judgments or pressures.
Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry Opens Sun. May 19
Please join me for the Opening Reception of Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry on Sunday May 19th at the Hunderdon Art Museum in Clinton NJ. There are scheduled artists talks, a block party on the terrace and I will be driving up from residency at Touchstone just to attend.
Come see me and The Great Resignation Emotional Baggage Cart at the opening
Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry
Opening Reception: May 19th, 2:00-4:00pm
Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024
Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ
I’ve Got An Afro, Of Course…
I feel seen.
Inspired by Jeffery Gibson
Jeffrey Gibson’s work is undeniably inspiring! His fusion of traditional Native American materials and techniques with non traditional substrates like punching bags creates a vibrant and thought-provoking visual language. As I delve into my own artistic practice, I’m drawn to Gibson’s bold use of color, pattern, and texture, as well as his exploration of identity and cultural heritage. His ability to blend diverse materials into cohesive and evocative artworks encourages me to push the boundaries of my own creativity and explore new ways of expressing my ideas.
Last Chance to Bid on Amref’s ArtBall Auction
Amref’s ArtBall contemporary African, Pan-African, and Black online auction closes tomorrow, May 6th, 2024, at 12 pm EST.
You can access the auction link now at Sothebys.com/artball.
It’s your last chance to bid on all the fantastic works included in the show, including Golden Serenity Tresses.
Liquid Ice: A Ode to a Storm
As the gray storm clouds rolled across the sea towards the shore, the air grew thick with anticipation. The waves, once calm and rhythmic, now transformed into restless giants, whipped into a frenzy by the impending tempest. Liquid ice, carried within the heart of the storm, seemed to chill the very atmosphere.
The wind, a herald of the approaching deluge, howled through the air, tousling the sea’s surface and creating a chaotic dance of spray. Seabirds scattered, seeking refuge from the turbulence, their usual graceful flight replaced by a hurried scramble for safety.
On the horizon, the merging of sea and sky became blurred, as if nature itself couldn’t contain the brewing forces. The distant rumble of thunder underscored the power of the approaching storm, a prelude to the symphony of rain and wind that would soon envelop the coast.
As the first raindrops fell, each liquid bead carried the essence of the storm, leaving a shimmering trail on the surface of the sea. The world seemed to hold its breath, poised between the calm before, and the tumultuous after, as the gray storm clouds continued their relentless march towards the awaiting shore.
Liquid Ice with Kate-Ferri Projects at 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Liquid Ice was the first work I completed after relocating to St. Croix last Fall. Begun in May 2023 and completed by September of the same year, this piece embodies the dynamic energy of the island and the tumultuous beauty of its environment.
Crafted from a unique blend of materials, including recovered marine tow line, delicate cowrie shells, macrame cord, acrylic yarns, and shimmering metallic rayon fabric, Liquid Ice is a multi-dimensional exploration of texture and form. These elements are meticulously knotted, crocheted, wrapped, and draped upon three-ply cotton rope, employing techniques that blend textile traditions with innovative recycling and reimagining.
Central to Liquid Ice’s narrative is the symbolism of loc-ed hair cascading like waves in the wind during a storm—a poignant reflection of the resilience and adaptability inherent in both nature and human experience. Liquid Ice invites viewers to contemplate the interplay between beauty and adversity, strength and vulnerability.
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair
Dates: May 2-5
Gallery: KATES-FERRI PROJECTS, Booth #7, KATES-FERRI PROJECTS presents MATERIALISTIC, a three-person presentation of artworks from Turiya Magadlela, Samuel Nnorom and Theda Sandiford at 1-54NY Contemporary African Art Fair, Booth #7, 601 West 26th Street, NY, 10001 on view Thursday, May 2 until Saturday, May 5, 2024.
Location: 601 W. 26th St. NYC, Kates-Ferri Projects Booth #7
and on Artsy.
May & Beyond Blog
OPENING THIS MONTH
1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair with KATES-FERRI PROJECTS
Dates: May 1-4
Location: 1:54NY 601 W. 26th St. NY 10001 Booth #7
Free Your Mind @ Touchstone
Dates: May 17 – September 20
Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA
Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry
Exhibition Dates: May 19, 2024 – September 2, 2024
Location: Hunterdon Art Museum, 7 Lower Center St, Clinton, NJ
ARTIST RESIDENCY
Touchstone Artist Residency
Dates: May 10-24
Location: Touchstone Center for Crafts; 1049 Sr2003, Farmington, PA
ONGOING
Ponytails and Door Knocker Earring Installation
Dates: January 17- July 17
Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY
NEXT
Free Your Mind @ 2024 Summer Discovery
Exhibition Dates: June 7 – August 30
Opening Reception: June 7, 5:00-9:00 pm
Location: Delaware Contemporary; 200 S Madison St, Wilmington, DE
American Tapestry Association’s Beyond: Tapestry Expanded
Exhibition Dates: August 1- December 15
Location: Peeler Art Center at DePauw University; 204 E. Seminary St., Greencastle IN
Theda’s Stateside Art Tour Schedule This Month
Im touching down in New Jersey on Sunday, April 28th and swiftly immerse myself in the installation process, with Kates-Ferri’s for the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair on April 29th. The fair, a vibrant celebration of African artistry, runs from May 1st to 5th. Look for me at booth #7.
My eyes are set on attending Amref’s Art Ball on Saturday, May 4th, 2024, at 7:30 pm in Brooklyn—an event I hope to score tickets for. Following this, I anticipate delving into the creative haven of Touchstone Center For Crafts, where I’ll undergo a two-week Artist Residency from May 10th to 24th, eagerly anticipating the chance to meet fellow textile artists. Im also giving an artist talk on “Free Your Mind” on May 22 at Touchstone.
On May 19th, I’ll make a 5 hour drive to the Hunterdon Art Museum for the unveiling of “Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry,” featuring my work The Great Resignation Emotional Baggage Cart. Please join me at the Opening Reception from 2-4pm in Clinton NJ.
With free days between engagements from May 25th to June 4th, I’m keen to connect over drinks, gallery shows, or even studio visits. Please let me know, if you want to meet up in NYC, NJ, PA or DE while I’m stateside.
My tour culminates with the installation of “Free Your Mind” at the Delaware Contemporary on June 5th, followed by their season opening on June 7th from 5-9pm.
I’ll bid farewell to the States and return home to St. Croix on June 9th.
Amref ArtBall Benefit Auction | Hosted by Sotheby’s
I’m thrilled to announce my participation in Amref Health Africa’s 2024 ArtBall, featuring a Contemporary African and Black art auction hosted by Sotheby’s. A heartfelt thank you to Natalie Kates for inviting me to be a part of this event for a second year.
This year, Amref will pay tribute to the esteemed Artist Kehinde Wiley with The Rees Visionary Award. Named after Amref’s founder, Dr. Thomas Rees, the Rees Visionary Award recognizes individuals who have significantly impacted the conversation surrounding African and Black art.
Amref’s ArtBall, a hallmark event centered around a premier contemporary African, Pan-African, and Black art auction, aims to support Amref’s vital work. Set to take place in Brooklyn on May 4th, 2024, the online auction is now open and closes on May 6th, 2024, at 12 pm EST. You can access the auction link now at Sothebys.com/artball.
The lineup of donating artists for 2024 is nothing short of extraordinary! It includes Adama Delphine Fawundu, Lewinale Havette, Megan Gabrielle Harris, Maya Beverly, Nicolas Lambert Coleman, Hank Willis Thomas, Roscoè B. Thické III, Jamel Robinson, Rudy Shepherd, Theda Sandiford, Samuel Nnorom, Turiya Magadlela, Pamela Sneed, Dana Robinson, Dapo Davinci, Cavier Coleman, Ferguson Amo, Troy Jones, Damien Davis, Kevin Claiborne, Katarra Peterson, Kenrick McFarlane, Larissa De Jesus Negron, Haleigh Nickerson, Myles Loftin, Genevieve Gaignard, Adrienne Elise Tarver, Ronald Robinson, Jacob Mason-Macklin, Crystal Yayra Anthony, Layo Bright, Diana Eusebio, Ousmane Ba, Jazmine Hayes, Audrey Lyall, Naïla Opiangah, Devin B. Johnson, Satchel Lee, Anthony Akinbola, Alex Anderson, Auudi Dorsey, and Kalif Tahir Thompson.