where are the black women photographers' memoirs?
This was the really good question posed to me by a struggling young artist. Where are our memoirs? There's Carroll Parrott Blue's The Dawn at My Back, but that's the only one, I think. This artist also wrote :
I struggle to maintain my integrity and self respect everyday- I am just not the wine and cheese eating, smiling, pretentious, white man on my arm, black female photographer the art world wants me to be! And I have suffered for it.
I love her for writing that. And want her to know she's not alone and the art world doesn't have to be only that scenario (though she's dead-on).
I struggle to maintain my integrity and self respect everyday- I am just not the wine and cheese eating, smiling, pretentious, white man on my arm, black female photographer the art world wants me to be! And I have suffered for it.
I love her for writing that. And want her to know she's not alone and the art world doesn't have to be only that scenario (though she's dead-on).
Photographer, subjects, and opening unknown
posted by Carla at 2:43 PM
2 Comments:
As loud as I can scream it....Amen!
You know I can not explain how many times I have been involved in conversations with my sistah friend also a fellow young black female photographer about this exact issue. Both of us have struggled through what has to be one of the most pretentious elitist art institutions in the country:SVA in New York City....
The emotional and psychological torment we underwent is for another post....but we both have come to terms with the fact that the "art world" is not interested in our world view or our aspirations for our "black" communities....so what do you do?....you have to make a choice...will you abandon self and everything associated with it?...or are you prepared to create other venues....build your own organizations or even seek out a different path that enables you to use your voice in a authentic way?...whatever you choose just be assured that you will have to make a choice because being a part of "them" will no doubt require you to become a different "you"!
On a personal note I wasn't prepared to be distracted from my ultimate goal which was/is to create change in my own community...I have a clear agenda(and I am unapologetic for it)..Under no circumstances was I going to allow anyone to suggest that it may be in my best interest to exchange my soul for cheese and crackers. Trust me the attempt has been made on several occassions.
Luckily I was clear and recognized that I wasn't interested...our commuities need us(now more than ever)...we cannot afford to be distracted by these folks empty gestures and conversations...we have work to do(at least I do).
Look a lot of sisters have made the choice to become distracted... from Deborah Willis to Thelma Golden... from Lorna Simpson to Renee Cox....with the crackers, wine and for some the white boy on their arm... but you don't have to make that choice(remember you are the one who will have to deal with the contradictions that will arise in your spirit as a result of your choices).
So I implore you to look at different avenues...their is more than one way to be an artist...their really is...find it!
Assata,
I love your post, but I gotta defend my girl Deborah Willis. I don't know what your personal experience with her is, but she's not in that company. Yes, she's always out there, and she knows everybody, but the reason she knows everybody is because she shows up and represents for them. I learned that from her, very importantly, when I couldn't be bothered to go to art-world events--yes, openings are heinous, and that whole schmoozing scene is nauseating, but you know what keeps you (us) out there (and thus working)? Making sure they see your face everywhere they go. I'm all for creating alternative models--thus the grant my partner and I started--but there are many ways to challenge that system and one way is by declaring your presence. It's very easy to be ignored, especially when you're not conforming.
That said, I'd love to hear about SVA. I'm often asked for the lowdown on programs and although I know nothing about SVA I wouldn't want to steer someone to a certain hell.
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