A lot has transpired during the past months. I've been doing quite a bit of reading and researching on the topic of colorism. In addition, I've been learning a wealth of information concerning black art history. This is a interesting term because it isn't used very much in your typical art history class. However, I find this information very useful to help me sort through the fact that many black artists nor their art are not included in many mainstream art history writings.
More contemporary art historians have commented of their existence but I've learned much more through studying the writings of popular African-American art historians like Sharon Patton and Richard Powell. I have to be honest when I say that these two writers have inspired me greatly through this process. I sat in Sunanda's African-American artists course for the first couple of months, yet found myself not feeling inspired only sadden at the fact that it was the first time I had ever heard of many of these African-American artists. It just seems pitiful that their names are hardly recognized or mentioned in the big scheme of things.
One thing that I pondered while in Sunanda's class was whether people really care to hear the experiences and input of artists of African descent. It's alarming to see how many artists were never recognized for their skill-level. Though this clearly shows the grim times they lived in. I say this not implying that things are so perfect now. I do feel that progress has been made through the years. It seems like our voices are more readily heard in Europe and some parts of this country, depending on the curatorial schedules of many museums. As long as the contemporary art world continues to be experimental in nature and open to various different points of view, I believe there will always be a place where everyone of every culture or gender can be heard. At least that is the hope.
This thought has transferred into my recent works, in that I hoped to put together a number of different thoughts that speak on a central idea. I am happy that I've been able to accomplish all that I have so far. Just a little longer to go! Jane Marshing has been great and the best mentor I could have picked in this first semester. Adam McEwen has also been great. You can also tell when something is going to be good, because the beginning starts off rocky. He has been very helpful in keeping my thoughts in order, and I'm glad that he is excited about my idea.
What am I working on? I'm putting the finishing touches on the yellow bone piece. I initially thought of having this piece on the wall, but then decided that the context fit better at a lower point of view. I've used artificial bones to proclaim a question in regards to the way terminology is used in the African-American culture. Using self-drying clay and glue I've been able to create a archaic feeling of discovering something from of old that is being brought to the light. I still have some additional photographs that I would like to take this week, and I just finished compiling all of the stories and experiences from family members, friends, and associates on the affects of colorism. I decided months ago that I wanted to use their stories to put together a very special piece incorporating their written words. I've done something similar with the Covered series, but this time its not including photography to explain them. This time I've decided to let the words speak for themselves. Sometimes its best to keep it simple. This is very important to me because I've always wanted to incorporate the lives of people that I encounter and their experiences in my work. I'm a person who really finds joy in seeing how people overcome various issues in their lives, and in my on artsy way I want to be able to share those same stories to others so that they might be encouraged as well. Well I think that was a good enough update for now. Until next time!
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