Category: Ramblings

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Boombox: Speakers Wanted

 I am looking for artists and other interesting people to participate in a series of conversations on Governors Island this summer as part of ArtCrawl Harlem’s Boombox exhibition. Is that you?

Boombox: A four part, multi-disciplinary conversation about identity through the lens of Hip Hop culture.

Born in the early 1970s in the predominantly African American, Latin and Caribbean culture of the South Bronx, Hip Hop has become one of the most successful musical genres of all time, expanding internationally into the worlds of dance, fashion and art. Now firmly embedded in the mainstream, Hip Hop is celebrating its 50th year. In honor of its global influence, the Boombox Salon Series will bring together diverse panels of culture producers to examine how the enduring spirit of Hip Hop has influenced generations across the globe and shaped our discussions about identity and authenticity. 

Salon Topics:

Growing Up Hip Hop – How has Hip Hop impacted the people who grew up with it, as well as subsequent generations? How has Hip Hop been a tool of education and social change? 

Celebrating Black Joy – How has Hip Hop functioned as a vehicle for Black joy and excellence? What is the role of appropriation and commodification in the continuing quest for authenticity?

Unpacking Interracial Identity – How have people from outside the original Hip Hop community been influenced by the experiences and values outlined in the music? What is the role of the normalization of interracial relationships and identities in the commercial success of Hip Hop? What is the connection between Hip Hop culture and the erosion of segregation in society?

Black Exceptionalism – How has Hip Hop culture been conflated with Black culture? What notions of Black identity have arisen from inside Hip Hop and as compared to Hip Hop? Are Black people who don’t fit into the rapper stereotype seen as “exceptions?” What values and characteristics has hip hop championed, and have they been set up in opposition to values that are perceived as being “white?”

Boombox Second Sundays:

  • May 14, 2023 
  • June 11, 2023
  • September 10, 2023
  • October 8, 2023

Please save these dates and let me know if you would like to join the conversation with a diverse group of creatives. You never know what will arise out of your participation in the conversation…

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Inspired by… Ann Hamilton

I have been interacting with Ann Hamilton’s white marble raised text installation at World Trade Center 1 train stop, to and from Governors Island all year long, before I even realized it was her work.

Before I was aware of the vast scope of Ann’s work, I was fascinated by images of her installation work circling the interwebs for years, which make this opportunity to watch an interview with her even most precious.

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Inspired by…. Sissel Tolaas

In the course of a single day, each of us breathes in and out around 24,000 times. With each breath, irresistible signals are sent straight to the brain—including smells, which in a matter of nanoseconds trigger emotions and memories, stirring up the subconscious in turn.

For Norwegian-born Sissel Tolaas, smell is a vital yet often overlooked tool for communication, and one she has been exploring through her work for more than three decades. She has devoted her research-based artistic practice to the olfactory rather than the visual or the auditory, thereby appealing to a different type of sensory experience with her projects. As Tolaas has noted, “My nose is more advanced than my eyes.”

As a wino, I can attest this is true.

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The Antenna Grant for Women in the Arts

The Antenna Grant for Women in the Arts offers financial support and mentorship for young women of color pursuing an education, training, and/or career in the visual arts (sculpture, 2-dimensional work, drawing, painting, textiles, film, installations, murals, etc). Awards are based on artistic merit, evidence of commitment to a career in the arts, and financial need.

Eligibility
This grant is for female-identifying visual artists between the ages of 16-23. Priority will be given to women of color and those with financial need (documentation may be required).

Applicants must have a home address in Jersey City, or be pursuing their education in Jersey City.

Grantees will be required to submit reports of their progress at the end of the scholarship period.

Use of Grant

A scholarship of up to $1,500, which can be put towards artistic training and growth, including but not limited to: educational programs, college, materials, self-education, studio space, lessons, projects, etc.

The scholarship period runs for 6 months (starting in January 2023). During that time grantees will be provided mentorship opportunities with professional women artists, including a welcome luncheon, opportunities to visit professional artist studios, virtual consulting, and collaboration on next steps at the end of the scholarship period.

Grant Panelists

The Antenna Grant review panel will include local artists, ME, Theda Sandiford, Danielle Scott, and Shamona Stokes.

Deadline to apply is November 13, 2022.

APPLY HERE

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Inspired By… Machine Dazzle

One of the best things about Surface Design is their TEXTILE TALK series.

Textile Talks features weekly presentations and panel discussions from the International Quilt Museum, Quilt Alliance, San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, Studio Art Quilt Associates, and Surface Design Association.

This episode highlights the themes, objects, and extravagant style of the exhibition Queer Maximalism x Machine Dazzle currently on view at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.

The exhibition is a solo presentation of the genre-defying artist Matthew Flower, better known as Machine Dazzle. A provocateur commanding an expanded repertoire of costume design, stagecraft, performance, and music, he is also a virtuoso practitioner of the visual language of queer maximalism.

Elissa Auther, Deputy Director of Curatorial Affairs and the William and Mildred Lasdon Chief Curator at the Museum of Arts and Design, examine the ways in which Machine Dazzle counters the prejudices of high culture and transforms bodies through sculptural materials and ornamentation. SDA board member, Michael Sylvan Robinson moderates.

Fabulous Surfaces: Queer Maximalism x Machine Dazzle (MAD Museum and SDA)

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Inspired By: a Fur-Lined Teacup

I was recently asked if Meret Oppenheim’s fur-lined teacup, inspired Blackty Black Blanket.

According to the MOMA,  Object was inspired by a conversation between Oppenheim, Pablo Picasso, and photographer Dora Maar at a Paris café. Admiring Oppenheim’s fur-trimmed bracelets, Picasso remarked that one could cover just about anything with fur. “Even this cup and saucer,” Oppenheim replied.

Blackty Black Blanket came about by completely by happenstance. I tossed a partially finished zip tie blanket onto the white chaise in my studio and turned around to work on the computer. Later when i got up to leave the room and saw the blanket draped on the chaise, I did a double take and knew the Chaise and blanket belonged together.

I lost a comfortable place in my studio to lounge but gained a subtle yet powerful way to communicate how discomforting microaggressions feel.

Blackty Black Blanket, 2020
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Inspired By: Julia Child

I am a foodie because of my mom ad Julia Child.

I grew up watching reruns of The French Chef, with my mom and tasting her culinary experiments. We use to spin the global and learn the recipes from wherever we landed. HBO Max’s series Julia Child has me reminiscing about the delicious aromas coming from my mom’s kitchen.

When the film, Julia and Julia came out, I bought Mastering the Art of French Cooking, Vol 1 and Vol 2 and have been working my way through both cookbooks ever since. Now McCarty has discovered the cookbooks and is trying a few recipes himself. Lucky me. `