“Contradictions – Bringing The Past Forward,” Art and Humanities exhibition catalogue just released.
I am thrilled to introduce the official art catalogue for my recent creation, Contradictions – Bringing The Past Forward“. The book conveys of my visual interpretation of the untold stories of the twenty-three African American homesteaders who settled in the Mojave Desert in the early twentieth century. This catalog offers an in-depth exploration of the creative odyssey and my challenges while curating my solo exhibition. It reflects the context of my own lived experience as an African American female artist living in the desert and my kinship with the homesteaders’ stories.
Essays
The catalogue, Contradictions – Bringing The Past Forward, features essays by renown collage artist Phoebe Beasley and Melissa Russo, Museum Director (ret.), San Bernardino County Museum.
The research
In Contradictions – Bringing The Past Forward I chronicle my creative process developing this research-based multi-media Arts & Humanities installation. The exhibition is believed to be the first and only time in more than 100 years that their stories are portrayed in a visual format. My research efforts were assisted by the generosity and encouragement of the pioneer researcher, Dennis Casebier, Founder of Mojave Historical and Cultural Association (now deceased) and archeologist David R. Nichols and his staff and research consultants at Mojave National Preserve of the National Park Service.
Digital Paintings
Creating twenty three digital paintings on my iPad in ProCreate software, which were printed on raw linen canvas, represents the contradictions inherent in my artistic concept for the exhibition. These artworks also convey a framework of change, continuity, diversity, cause and effect, interconnectedness, community, and identity. Archival research and interviews explore themes of hope, disillusionment, and strong family bonds.
Available now.
The book is available for purchase at the following: Amazon and Barnes&Noble or wherever art and cultural books are sold.