!!!OPENING TONIGHT!!!!
Join us tonight Friday, September 20th, 6-8pm at The Gallery at 180 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn for the opening reception of Read Between The Lines.
On view in the exhibition are fifty paintings and drawings by ART YARD BKLYN artists: Simone Awor, Evelyn Beliveau, Taylor Branch, Gwendolyn Orion Cartozian, Liv Collins, Arcenio de Jesús, Jennifer Dodson, TJ Edgar, A. Ty Fletcher, Abriel Gardner (bob), Mich Maurintine Goenawan, Neah Gray, Ailey Haynes, Sasha Kelly Jackson, Adji Ngathe Kebe, Patricia Larash, Ardelia Lovelace, Meridith McNeal, Eden-Nicole Moore, Elizabeth Morales Romero, Jules Moriah, Jacob Rath, Diana Rickard, Ajani Russell, Lenika Silva, Nayarit Tineo, Vee Tineo, and Mayana Nell Torres.
Ajani, Dakota and I installed the work on Wednesday, and it looks fantastic!
Dakota reports: “Read Between the Lines is a beautiful manifestation of AYB's year of literacy. As you walk in the gallery you are greeted by a myriad of vibrant small watercolor pieces to keep your eyes jumping from wall to wall - most including text as per the overarching theme of the show. Alongside are two of Meridith McNeal’s large watercolor pieces from her series titled Inside Outside Windowphila. In contrast to the rest of the room, the rightmost wall is dedicated to a collection of work by Ajani Russel titled Passing Thought — a collection of beautiful ink sketches of a varied subject matter. Paired with the warm gallery lighting the show creates a very welcoming environment to come and enjoy for yourself!!”
The event is FREE and open to all! Brooklyn Seltzer and wine will be served.Plus, during the event we will host a special fundraiser Pop Up: Handmade ART WORD bracelets and make-your-own options to support AYB Advanced Studio!!!!!!
Monday we kicked off the fall semester of AYB Advanced Studio on Zoom in a splendid session with Eden-Nicole Moore inspired by the work of James Baldwin.
Eden explains: “One of my favorite things to do is show and speak the power of the written word. So, it was a pleasure to be able to read out “Jimmy’s Rhythm & Blues: The Extraordinary Life of James Baldwin” by Michelle Meadows, Illustrated by Jamiel Law at the start of the lesson and then be complimented on my reading ability. Not only that but it was a great feeling to introduce students to the words of James Baldwin through the video clips I chose; as Meridith and Lila noted he has such a certain eloquence and articulation that brings out such emotion and inspiration for art making.
‘Inspired’ is the word I’d use to describe everything we made - particularly the imagery used in pieces like Ed’s that focused on mass incarceration and the irony of black subjugation, contrast to Karla’s, Kevin’s and Lila’s focusing on things like hope and creativity.
Karla writes: "My collage is created on writing tablet back mounted on old lexan gas station sign number. Thanks to Eden for such a wonderful lesson. The presentation was amazing! I approached my piece using symbolic images to reference what I was seeing and hearing. I’ve incorporated a fountain pen, pen tips, and a typewriter, referencing this fabulous author’s dedication to his work and beliefs. His love of Jazz is represented with trombone and clips from 1926 sheet music. The central figure is placed upon a group of performing artists. I chose to color in faces and hands to echo Baldwin’s reference to not labeling/seeing only black or white. The figure seems to be holding a blank paper, still to be written…his influences to continue. The reference to brown rooftops is expressed in the “writing tablet back” used as substrate for the collage."
Eden-Nicole Moore, James Baldwin l, ll, lll, pencil on paper
I’m proud that the lesson was able to not only honor a great man but lead to a wide range of emotional historical discussion and colorful, intricate pieces. I’m also thankful for all the compliments that the lesson and my three drawings received.”
On Tuesday in Advanced Studio in person at BWAC Ajani Russell presented the first of two sessions on the theme of literacy. Ajani lead the class through an experiment in visualizing sensory words and adjectives.
Ajani summarizes: “The class then created works that were evocative of each word they were depicting respectively. The use of color, texture, composition, material etc. all contributed to the visual versions of their words.
Ty depicted the word undulate by creating 3-D waves through collage.
Mich used directional line work to depict the words Burning Light.
Ashley drew a form using contrasting colors and a lot of layering to depict the word heavy.
Jacob’s rather synesthetic depiction of the word sweaty showed colors they associate with body odor.
Cammy sounded out the Clank of the nautical sounds which waft up to us from the water’s edge adjacent to our studio!
Ed pointed out during critique that Cammy’s first response to viewing the work at critique “Oh my word!” perfectly described the lesson (and Meridith said: “Oh, that’s perfect for the title of this week’s recap!” See above.)
Overall a very successful class and I was very impressed with how easily everyone grasped this abstract lesson!”
Other Art News
AYB Artist Abriel (bob) Gardner shares exciting news about her latest performance piece, part of a new performance series: “roof encourages impromptu performance and creation. roof occurs on various rooftops across the city (just New York for now) and aims to gather people together in the name of art and community! Last week the very 1st roof occurred. Featuring artists: Andrea Soto, Keilan, Wally and me. It was an amazing whirlwind of a time and turned out to be a wonderful show. The production of this show happened in about 5 days and I'm very grateful for everyone's effort to make it happen. The next roof will be happening soon so keep an eye out for that.”
Performance photos of roof
Join us for the opening of Salon de Refusés 2024 at BWAC (481 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn) Saturday, September 21st, 1-6pm! This sprawling exhibition is really exciting. Plus my piece is hanging right on the edge of the AYB studio area in the vast BWAC loft spaces. Come see the art AND where we meet to make art!
Then scoot down the block to Kentler International Drawing Space (353 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn) for the artists reception of 100 Works on Paper from 4-6pm.
Sunday, September 22nd, come on back to Red Hook to see AYB’s favorite band Joopi live at Strong Rope Brewery (185 Van Dyke Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn.) Performances from 2-7pm. Joopi featuring AYB Artists Jules Lorenzo and Liv Collins scheduled to play at 6pm!
BIG NEWS -- Joopi announced the release date for their first single Buggy Bye-Bye out on all platforms September 27th. Follow Joopi on instagram to stay updated!!!
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