SURVEY is a review of the latest news and happenings related to visual art by and about people of African descent, with the occasional nod to cultural matters.
OVER THE WEEKEND, the feminist art historian Linda Nochlin died at age 86. She wrote the seminal 1971 essay, “Why Have There Been No Great Women Artists?,” which was published in ARTnews. In 2015, she spoke to the magazine for its special issue on Woman in the Art World. She said then: “I think the whole idea of ‘greatness’ is out of date, as far as contemporary art is concerned, and rightly so. And so are single standards….I happen to think that women are now doing the most interesting and innovative work…and it is all quite different! No sign of a “female style”; no centralized imagery or necessary pattern and decoration, as some essentialist feminist art critics believed at the beginning of the women’s movement. A wide range of mediums, genres, and styles marks women’s work today. To me, this is what is important. Women can do what they want, the way they want.”
Knight Landesman stepped down as co-publisher of Artforum in the wake of accusations of sexual harassment. In response, more than 2,000 artists, curators, scholars, writers, interns, assistants, and many others engaged in the art world have signed an open letter stating “we are not surprised” by the widespread harassment they have experienced—including being groped, undermined, and intimidated—at the hands of people in positions of power. Artists Abigail Deville, Simone Leigh, Julie Mehretu, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Adrian Piper, Mickalene Thomas, and Carrie Mae Weems, are among the countless signatories.
Meanwhile, opportunities to see a concentration of works by African and African American artists begin this week at biennials around the world, at Performa 17 in New York (Nov. 1-19), Art x Lagos in Nigeria (Nov. 3-5), Also Known as Africa art and design fair in Paris (Nov. 10-12), and Prospect 4 in New Orleans (Nov. 18, 2017-Feb. 25, 2018), which is now officially a triennial. A selection of additional news follows:
From left, David Adjaye, Thelma Golden, and Simone Leigh at the Studio Museum in Harlem’s annual gala. | Photo by Scott Rudd Events via Studio Museum in Harlem
Simone Leigh is the Recipient of the Studio Museum in Harlem’s 2017 Joyce Alexander Wein Artist Prize
She was awarded the prize at the museum’s Oct. 30 annual gala, which also honored architect David Adjaye, who is designing the institution’s new building
READ MORE about Simone Leigh on Culture Type
“Imitation of Lives” by Jimmy Robert is an intimate performance at Philip Johnson’s iconic Glass House delves into the intersections of architecture, visibility, and black representation. | via Performa
Performa 17, the Live Performance Biennial, Opens Today in New York
The year’s commissions consider African art and culture, the intersection of architecture and performance, and the hundred-year legacy of Dada. Participants include Jason Moran and Julie Mehretu, Kemang Wa Lehulere, Mohau Modisakeng, Zanele Muholi, Wangechi Mutu, Jimmy Robert, and Tracey Rose
Barbara Chase Riboud with “The Albino (aka All That Rises Must Converge/Black),” 1972 (black bronze, silk, wool, linen, and synthetic fibers). | Photo by Grant Delin via Michael Rosenfeld Gallery
The Museum of Modern Art Acquired a 1972 Sculpture by Barbara Chase Riboud
“The Albino (aka All That Rises Must Converge/Black)” was purchased from Michael Rosenfeld Gallery in New York, where the artist’s exhibition, “Malcolm X: Complete” is on view thru Nov. 4
Only when we listen to each other can we solve our biggest challenges. #ObamaSummit pic.twitter.com/suXfj7Tlx9
— The Obama Foundation (@ObamaFoundation) November 1, 2017
The Inaugural Obama Foundation Summit is Underway in Chicago (Oct. 31-Nov. 1)
President and Mrs. Obama are bringing together young leaders to “exchange ideas, explore creative solutions to common problems, and experience civic art, technology, and music from around the world.” Theaster Gates, Chef José Andrés, Elizabeth Alexander, Chance the Rapper, Common, Mellody Hobson, Prince Harry, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Bryan Stevenson of the Equal Justice Initiative are among the participants.
A special installation of CARRIE MAE WEEMS’s “Kitchen Table Series” is on view at the National Gallery of Art through May 18, 2018. Shown, “Untitled (Woman and daughter with makeup) from the Kitchen Table Series,” 1990, printed 2003 (platinum print). | National Gallery of Art, Washington, Gift of the Collectors Committee, and Robert B. Menschel and the Vital Projects Fund
Carrie Mae Weems Conversation at National Gallery of Art Rescheduled for Feb. 6
The new date was announced after Weems canceled her Oct. 17 appearance due to transportation issues
“Untitled (Painter),” 2009 by Kerry James Marshall is featured on the tote bag. | MZ Wallace
Kerry James Marshall Collaborated with MZ Wallace on a Tote Bag
100 percent of the proceeds of the Metro tote featuring Marshall’s work benefit education programs at MCA Chicago in celebration of the museum’s 50th anniversary. The company previously collaborated with Glenn Ligon on a bag to raise funds for the Studio Museum in Harlem.
READ MORE about Kerry James Marshall’s “Mastry” exhibition at MCA Chicago on Culture Type
DAVID DRISKELL, “Soul X,” 1968 (oil on linen). | via DC Moore Gallery
DC Moore Gallery is Presenting Works by David Driskell at Art Basel Miami Beach
Paintings from the 1960s and ’70s by the 86-year-old artist, educator, and curator will be on view (Dec. 7-10)
Spread from Fall 2017 edition of Aperture magazine exploring the work of Kwame Braithwaite. | via Aperture
Aperture’s 65th Anniversary Gala Paid Tribute to Photographer Kwame Braithwaite
The event celebrated four artists working at the intersection of “photography, style, and human potential, including Braithwaite, the Harlem-based photographer who advanced the positive political slogan “Black Is Beautiful”
CT
1 comment
Theodore A. Harris says:
Nov 1, 2017
Keep up the great work.