Africa

Meleko Mokgosi, Democratic Intuition, Exordium

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At the California African American Museum, the exhibition The Ease of Fiction highlights the work of four contemporary African artists living in the United States whose work serves as a foundation for discussions around history, fact and fiction. 

In particular the work of Meleko Mokgosi in Democratic Intuition, Exordium (2014-2015) examined the relationship between education, labor and democracy. In the details below you will see the skill and mastery of this master painter whose work details the denial of opportunities for intellectual labor.

Invisible Thread

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These days it is unusual to find something new and exciting to fawn over. In the new musical “Invisible Thread” I found just that! With a brilliant composition and moving story, it is an amazing experience. And by “experience” I mean it is a sensory overload of textures on stage and power house songs. Last night I had the pleasure of attending the musical after seeing it in workshop 2 years ago, and I was blown away again. For tickets and further information visit here.

Below is the music video from one of my favorite songs in the musical:

We Are Here: My Reflection on Kara Walker’s Domino Sugar Factory Installation

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Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Upon entering the Domino Sugar Factory a load of emotions took control of my body. From the smell to the momentous sculptures I had sensory overload. Within my two trips there it was definitely a special feeling that emerged being amongst the space, especially when looking at the Sphinx. That special feeling was one of reverence for the ancestors, awe and shock to be in the space and finally immense gratitude to be able to experience the installation in my lifetime. Moreover, I was sad, reflective and in awe during my visit.

kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

The most distinct reflection was that of my grandmother telling me stories about her relatives that worked the sugar plantation fields in Jamaica. My grandmother always mentioned how integral sugar was to my ancestry with my Indian and African ancestors coming to work the plantations and lay down the railroad tracks to transport the sugar out of the country. To then see sugar in all of its contradictory glory was astounding. I felt a deep connection in the space and will be forever grateful for the experience.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

I also deeply pondered: Why is sugar only refined when turned white?

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Being amongst a wonderful community during “We Are Here” helped add more depth to my experience, and I enjoyed speaking with the community of people of color present on June 22nd. Here is the tumblr for more information: weareherekwe.tumblr.com

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Kara Walker Installation. Domino Sugar Factory. 2014. Photo by Erin K. Hylton.

Witness Uganda: A.R.T. Season

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Rarely do you feel a spark of inspiration just by the chords struck on the piano in a musical, even before the poignant dialogue and singing compels you to action. “Witness Uganda” is that rare and powerful gem I was lucky enough to witness last year this time. This year, the play that has won the 2012 Richard Rogers Award for Musical Theater and 2013 Edgerton Foundation New American Plays Award will be on the stage at the American Repertory Theater from February 4 – March 16, 2014.  It is a must-see, a travel see, and an experience do!

You will leave encouraged, connected, motivated and moved to action by “Witness Uganda” through the music, dialogue and most importantly the lived experience which inspired the story.

Clips below from A.R.T. preview:

Check out my post on their phenomenal New York performance last year: Witness Uganda