Domino Sugar Factory

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.

The Kara Walker Experience: WE ARE HERE

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Cover Photo

A gathering for people of color at Kara Walker’s art installation in the Domino Sugar factory. Invite your friends– and your friends’ friends– so that we can experience this space as the majority.

This exhibition reflects a monumental moment in history. “Walker’s gigantic temporary sugar-sculpture speaks of power, race, bodies, women, sexuality, slavery, sugar refining, sugar consumption, wealth inequity, and industrial might that uses the human body to get what it needs no matter the cost to life and limb” (Creative Time curatorial statement).

Set in Williamsburg, Brooklyn—a community that continues to experience a deep physical and mental erasure of recent history— this exhibition provides a chance for its thousands of daily visitors to reflect on this history before the old factory space is replaced by high rises.

Let us gather to experience this important work, together.

FREE + all are welcome!
*Arrive at 2pm (Sun. June 22) and enjoy/build community while in line.

http://creativetime.org/projects/karawalker/

*This event is organized collectively, and is unaffiliated with Kara Walker and Creative Time.

Kara Walker at Domino Sugar Factory

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This weekend be sure to check out Kara Walker’s first public project which she will present for Creative Time!

Housed in the Domino Sugar Refining Plant the piece is entitled “A Subtlety: Marvelous Sugar Baby, an Homage to the unpaid and overworked Artisans who have refined our Sweet tastes from the cane fields to the Kitchens of the New World on the Occasion of the demolition of the Domino Sugar Refining Plant”. The 75 feet tall sphinx towers within the now 10 years defunct Domino Sugar Refining Plant and is an ode to the black labor on the cane fields. For further information such as where and when to visit, check out Creative Time as well as the New York Times.

Check out the video for a special teaser from Creative Time: