akofena

Art is created to provoke. If done well, it will spark a wave of emotions.

This piece of art (commissioned to serve as an image for a 100-year anniversary library card) started a series of controversies and conversations.

It was met with both praise and criticism – just the way good art should. I found myself caught in the middle of a situation. It was challenging, but I was prepared for moments like these. I was stuck between those with pure passion and those with artistic exposure. Some felt this was a piece of fine art, while others thought it was insulting; “black face” was one of the phrases put out there. It was a challenge.

After a few phone talks, meetings and planning sessions, the result was a panel discussion entitled Let’s Talk Art, on race, history and culture in contemporary art by Black artists. Spearheaded by the Library and non-profit leader Janus Small, and facilitated by Deidre McPherson (Assembly for the Arts), there was amazing discussion between artists Rhonda K. Brown, David Buttram, Amanda D. King, Michael C. Russell II, and my fellow SWAC Alum Antoine Washington (look them up!) It was a packed house, and everyone was met with a program full of art history, life lessons, and inspiration. I love my job…