Kara Walker & Contemporary Art
I wish I could afford international travel (next week’s trip to San Juan doesn’t count). The 25th Sao Paulo Bienal is winding to a close…by j. brotherlove
I wish I could afford international travel (next week’s trip to San Juan doesn’t count).
The 25th Sao Paulo Bienal is winding to a close and I haven’t read one decent review. I guess I need to fly to Brazil and see for myself. Earlier this month would’ve been a great time because I could’ve coupled the exhibit with Bill T. Jones / Arnie Zane Company’s performance.
I’m primarily interested in Kara Walker’s contribution because the last time I was excited by a contemporary artist was while viewing her exhibit at University of Chicago, hosted by Renaissance Society in 1997 (thanks to DNR). She’s also the official U.S. representative!
It’s ironic that Kara got her start in Atlanta yet, I am hard pressed to remember any provocative artwork since I’ve moved here. I’m partly to blame, however. Atlanta is not an “In Your Face” city when it comes to culture - and I know that. “Seek and ye shall” find is the strategy for success in this city of peaches.
I did hang out at Hammonds House a year ago. But, their strength is in great historical work (Bearden, etc.) I want to know what provocative African American artists are doing today. And I’m not talking garden-variety oils or glossy black and white prints, either (not that there’s anything wrong with those).
I’ll just have to be more diligent about seeking out the things I want to see - and following through by attending the events I can. I can start by checking out the Without Sanctuary: Lynching Photography in America exhibit that I’ve been putting off the past two weeks.
extras:
Culture Shock: Kara Walker Web Activity
Arts International - AI Magazine: Spring 2002 Issue
Greg Kucera Gallery