Location: Time Equities Lobby 55 5th Avenue, New York NY
Elaborate strands of rope, meticulously wrapped, woven, tied, and adorned with recycled beads, zip ties, ribbon, lace, tape, and bells beckon you towards a vibrant installation that serves as a visual representation of natural hair. These daring and playful sculptures delicately encourage viewers to engage in unconventional dialogues surrounding microaggressions, stereotypes, and implicit bias specifically faced by black women embracing their natural hair.
Want a sneak peek of what I will be showing at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair with Kates -Ferri Projects?
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
Meet Liquid Ice… Recovered marine rope, cowrie shells, macrame cord, acrylic yarns, metallic rayon fabric and yarn knotted and wrapped on three ply cotton rope.
“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.”
The storm clouds, heavy with the weight of untold narratives, loomed ominously overhead, as if whispering secrets of far-off lands and ancient legends lost to time. Their tumultuous presence infused the atmosphere with an electric anticipation, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder that stirred the imagination and beckoned the soul to embark on a journey through the realms of imagination and memory.
Store Clouds Over Cane Bay; Chenille, acrylic yarns, metallic rayon fabric, metallic yarn knotted and wrapped on three ply cotton rope.
As the countdown begins, I’m gearing up for an exciting six weeks stateside, packed with artistic endeavors and meaningful engagements. Touching down in New Jersey on April 27th marks the start of a whirlwind of creativity.
My first stop? Installing my work at the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair on April 29th, setting the stage for a showcase of diverse perspectives and artistic voices. From May 1st to 5th, the fair will be abuzz with inspiration and dialogue, offering a platform for African art to shine.
Next I transition into the Touchstone Artist Residency from May 10th to 24th, where I’ll immerse myself into my microaggressions series and exploring new dimensions of expression and healing. This residency promises a fertile ground for experimentation and growth.
An exciting highlight awaits on May 22nd, as I share insights and reflections during a talk on “Free Your Mind” at the Touchstone Center for Crafts—a moment to ignite dialogue and foster understanding through art.
The momentum continues with the opening of “Uncontained: Reimagining Basketry” at the Hunterdon Art Museum on May 19th, an exploration of traditional craft intersecting with contemporary vision.
And marking a crescendo to my journey, I’ll unveil “Free Your Mind” at the Delaware Contemporary during their season opening on June 7th—a celebration of art, expression, and liberation.
When the curtains draw on this enriching chapter, I’ll carry home with me a tapestry of experiences and connections, further fueling my artistic journey on the vibrant shores of STX. Until then, let the adventure unfold.
“Ideas may come from anywhere, anything, anytime, anyplace. For the most part, however, I believe that they spring from rather unromantic, sometimes unexpected, or even unsavory sources. The artist is a collector of things imaginary or real. He accumulates things with the same enthusiasm that a little boy stuffs his pockets. The scrap heap and the museum—embraced with equal curiosity. He takes snapshots, makes notes, records impressions on tablecloths or newspapers, on backs of envelopes or matchbooks. Why one thing and not another is part of the mystery, but he is omnivorous.”
Drawing upon the vibrant tapestry of St. Croix’s Old Time Christmas Festival and its rich tradition of masquerade, Pitchy Pathcy is a soft fiber sculpture crafted from upcycled Patagonia shorts shredded then wrapped in a melange of textures and hues.
Infused with the spirit of the Pitchy Patchy mas character, known for its tattered, multicolored attire, this piece intertwines 4-ply worsted wool, soft rainbow wool, and whimsical eyelash yarn. Adorned with a medley of wooden and metal beads, cowrie shells, and hair jewelry, it pays homage to the enigmatic enforcers who animate the carnival’s bustling energy.
Assembled with reverence, this soft sculpture bridges the gap between tradition and innovation, inviting viewers to immerse themselves in the magic of masquerade.
Every week, I hit the shores of St. Croix armed not just with bags for trash, but with a vision. Ghost nets, marline line, and rope—once marine debris—are prized materials for my artwork. These discarded remnants not only mar our beautiful beaches but also tell a story of environmental neglect.
Through meticulous collection during beach clean-ups, I breathe new life into these discarded items. By repurposing them in my artwork, I not only create striking pieces but also raise awareness about ocean conservation and the impact of human activity on marine ecosystems.
I am turning the tide on pollution—one ghost net at a time.
Loading up the JeepCleaning the small piecesA good day’s haulAll coming togetherCoiling rope
Textile and social practice artist Sonya Clark is renowned for her mixed-media works that address race and visibility, explore Blackness, and redress history. This online exhibition—the first survey of Clark’s 25-year career—includes the artist’s well-known sculptures made from black pocket combs, human hair, and thread as well as works created from flags, currency, beads, cotton plants, pencils, books, a typewriter, and a hair salon chair.
