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Podcast Projects

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode Two

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode Two w/ Reggie Perry Jr.

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ Reggie Perry Jr.

In Episode Two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery. In Episode Two, we chat with Reggie Perry Jr., a multifaceted creator excelling in design, audio, and video production, motion graphics, and 3D animation. His expertise in typography, illustrations, and various media forms in the Home Depot learning department and as a freelance designer for clients like Greenwood Bank and Caregility, further demonstrates his skills in web content creation through e-commerce and lifestyle imagery.

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we’ll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms.

From gallery walls to global stages, we’ll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that’s not all. “Cultural Canvases” goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

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Podcast Projects

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ B. Robert Moore

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces: Episode One w/ B. Robert Moore

Cultural Canvases: Black Men Reshaping Fine Art and Creative Spaces presented by ArtAboveReality — the podcast that dives deep into the vibrant world of contemporary art, design, and digital creativity through the lenses of Black male professionals. Join me, Badir McCleary, your host, and curator, as we venture on a journey through the fascinating narratives and insightful perspectives of these groundbreaking artists and visionaries. In each episode, we’ll unravel the threads of their unique journeys, exploring the challenges they’ve overcome, the triumphs that define their artistic narratives, and the goals that keep them putting in overtime in their studios and boardrooms.

From gallery walls to global stages, we’ll celebrate these diverse talents that are redefining the face of creativity. But that’s not all. “Cultural Canvases” goes beyond the canvas, delving into the broader ecosystem. Tune in for engaging discussions on current events impacting the creative space, market trends, and the rich historical context that shapes contemporary expression. Get ready for thought-provoking dialogues, candid revelations, and a front-row seat to the dynamic intersection of culture, ideation, and the ever-evolving canvas of innovation on Cultural Canvases.

In Episode One, I sit down with Des Moines, Iowa based artist B. Robert Moore. Multidisciplinary self-taught artist started painting in 2018-19 to counter drug addiction and alcoholism. As a tool to counter mental health issues and life trauma, Moore paints figurative works amongst other contemporary works that all are inner connected through Moore’s identity and experience as a Black man in America.

Growing up in Iowa, a predominantly White-conservative state has inspired Moore to uplift narratives and images of people from his community and abroad who identify through similar life identity and experiences. Storytelling is the backbone of Moore’s work, as the composition of the visual only aides the hours of research and layered symbolism throughout each individual work.

Join the ArtAboveReality channel to get access to perks: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9S0S2OYmTsmQf5nqMQZhUw/join

Categories
Editorial

A Journey Through Text-Based Modern and Contemporary Art

A Journey Through Text-Based Modern and Contemporary Art

In December, I embarked on an intriguing journey, curating a threads conversation-style exhibition of text-based works from modern and contemporary art. It turned out to be more than just an academic exercise; it became a vibrant conversation among art enthusiasts. It was so cool that I figured that doing a different style or art period each month would be very exciting and educational for folks who want to discuss Modern and Contemporary Art! Let me walk you through this remarkable array of artists and their unique perspectives on text in art. We kicked off the month with Christopher Wool, On Kawara, and Glenn Ligon, who are iconic for their text-based puns and the historical significance of their work. They set a high bar for the exhibition, provoking plenty of thought and discussion. Interestingly, I made a conscious choice to omit Richard Prince, preferring to spotlight less predictable choices.

Then, I revisited a piece by Barbara Kruger, displayed at the Hirshhorn in DC. Kruger is known for her bold use of text to convey powerful messages, and she even had to defend her intellectual property against the likes of Supreme. This incident opens up a fascinating dialogue about the intersection of art, commercialism, and intellectual property. Moving on, I considered the works of John Baldessari and Ed Ruscha for their simplicity and profound impact. Baldessari’s “What Is Painting” (1966-68) is particularly intriguing, as it blurs the lines between text and imagery.

Glenn Ligon, Figure #76, 2011, at the Marciano Art Foundation.
Christopher Wool, If You Can’t Take A Joke, 1992.
John Baldessari, What Is Painting, 1966-68.

Jason Rhoades’s installations were also a highlight. Known for their neon lighting and humorous yet thought-provoking statements, one such work at Hauser and Wirth in Los Angeles exemplified the complexity and layered nature of contemporary communication. The exploration then turned to Pope L., particularly his “Skin Sets” series. These works use text to explore race, color, and labeling. Pope L.’s passing added a poignant note to our exploration, reminding us of the lasting impact of an artist’s work.

Sam Durant’s light boxes, seen at Blum and Poe, Los Angeles, brought a dynamic element to the exhibition. His use of bold colors and thought-provoking text creates an illuminating presence, akin to the city’s billboards yet distinctly more inspiring. Peter Holzhauer’s work, “Door” (2018), discovered at the Art Los Angeles Contemporary Fair, brought a sense of nostalgia and humor. The piece resonates with childhood memories, showcasing the playful and often mischievous nature of text in art.

Concluding the month, Patrick Martinez’s work was featured. Like Jason Rhoades, Martinez uses illuminated text, but his focus is more on community and local styles, creating a direct and impactful dialogue with the viewer. This virtual exhibition wasn’t just a showcase of artworks; it was a journey through the diverse and evolving landscape of text-based art. Each artist brought a unique perspective, challenging and enriching our understanding of contemporary art.

On Kawara at the Smithsonian American Art Museum, 2019.
Patrick Martinez
Peter Holzhauer’s Door, 2018, at Art Los Angeles Contemporary Art Fair, 2018
Jason Rhoades installation at Hauser and Wirth Los Angeles
Pope L.
Here are some additions from some of the followers on Threads.
@braxtonjfuller
@zsorryon
@rre.paintings
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Projects

OPEN: PhotoBook

Photo by Badir McCleary

OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness (PhotoBook)

OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness
OPEN: A Collection of Photographs on Openness

Embark on a visual odyssey that transcends boundaries and embraces the ethos of ‘OPEN’ in Badir McCleary’s latest photographic collection. This book is more than a series of images; it is an exploration of openness in its myriad forms, from the embrace of new cultures to the intimacy of personal spaces. McCleary’s lens captures the ephemeral yet profound moments of life, each frame a testament to the beauty and complexity of human experience. Through streets bustling with stories and landscapes whispering of freedom, this collection invites you to witness the world in its raw, unfiltered magnificence.

In these pages, you will journey through a tapestry of narratives that speak to the heart of what it means to be truly open. From the candid emotions etched on the faces in crowded urban settings to the serene expanses that beckon the soul to wander, each photograph is an invitation to engage, feel, and connect. As you delve into this collection, be prepared to embark on a journey that challenges your perceptions and enriches your understanding of openness. 

Whether it is through the dignified portrayal of life’s hardships or the intimate glimpses into the sanctuaries of creation, these images are a celebration of the human spirit’s boundless capacity for growth, connection, and change. ‘OPEN’ is more than a photographic project; it is a philosophy, a way of life that the author eloquently captures and shares with the world. Let this book be your guide to embracing the unknown, discovering the beauty in openness, and seeing the world through a lens of wonder and boundless possibility.

Available for Pre-Order December 4th!

Mark Savage, 2015, Alim Morris, 2023, Los Angeles, 2022. Photo by Badir McCleary.
Wall St. Apt, DTLA, 2022. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, 2018. Photo by Badir McCleary.
Categories
Editorial

Made in LA: 2023 Acts of Living at the Hammer Museum

Made in LA: 2023 Acts of Living at the Hammer Museum

On a recent visit to the Hammer Museum, I had the chance to walk through the Made in LA: 2023: Acts of Living exhibition. This showcase featured the works of 39 local artists and collectives, offering a vivid reflection of the vibrant creative spirit that defines the City of Angels. As I strolled through the first gallery, specific works stood out with their remarkable presence, meticulous craftsmanship, and thought-provoking materials. Teresa Baker’s innovative use of yarn and artificial turf gave life to abstract forms that sparked contemplation about indigenous land authority through remapping. Adjacent to Baker’s creations, the functional design proficiency of Ryan Preciado aroused a sense of 1950s interior decor, emphasizing the intrinsic value of everyday objects in our society. Continuing the exploration led me to Erica Mahinay’s work, where painting, textiles, and sculpture blurred the boundaries between forms, creating a cosmic narrative that resonated with the intricacies of the human body. Jackie Amezquita’s installation of 144 slabs made from masa salt, rain, limestone, and soil sourced from 144 Los Angeles neighborhoods wove a powerful narrative of displacement and migration.

The late Luis Bermudez’s ceramic masterpieces, spanning over four decades, graced the gallery with their sacred symbolism and Mesoamerican iconography, including serpents and vessels. Meanwhile, Esteban Ramon Perez’s work engaged in a compelling dialogue between textile and sculpture, reimagining abstraction and pop culture through the lens of the material’s history. One of the most poignant moments was Roksana Pirouzmand’s creation, ‘Between Two Windows.’ This exquisite piece delicately captured the essence of long-distance relationships through migration, as one window symbolized her home in the U.S., while the other represented her grandmother’s home in Iran. As I continued through the galleries of the biennial exhibition, I encountered the captivating artworks of Tidawhitney Lek. Lek’s pieces, titled “Relatives and Refuge,” featured two distinct works that seemed to exist in a realm separate from the perception of their subjects. Michael Alvarez, on the other hand, drew deeply from his memories of family, commemoration, and familiarity as the foundation of his displayed artworks. His unique technique of blurring the paintings created a dream-like, ephemeral quality, underscoring the significance of cherished moments and relationships.

In a different artistic narrative, Joey Terrill’s works conveyed a figurative story akin to comic strips. These figures spoke to the queer community and were crafted during the challenging AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s. Similar to Alvarez, Terrill used his art to immortalize the locations and individuals who profoundly influenced his life. Christopher Suarez, drawing inspiration from his Southern California upbringing, meticulously recreated a familiar thoroughfare in ceramic form. His tabletop installation featured buildings, automobiles, and sports fields, reminiscent of the style of artist Red Grooms. Paige JiYoung Moon, through her acrylic on wood panel works, offered a commentary on the city’s modest living spaces and meeting spots. With a fine brush and meticulous precision, Moon’s art reflected the creative adaptability required to thrive in the dynamic environment of Los Angeles.

Dan Herschlein added an element of horror to the exhibition with his headless figures, intricately detailed within sculptural paintings. These works invited viewers to assume the role of intruders, presenting multiple perspectives and layers of architectural forms. Akinsanya Kambon employed clay as a vessel to unearth suppressed histories stemming from colonization. His clay plaques recounted stories of revolution, and his ceramic totems depicted past realities, all narrating the experiences of the African Diaspora. Teresa Tolliver contributed twenty sculptures from her “Wild Things” series, each based on the form of a lion. Each sculpture showcased unique attributes, emphasizing individuality within a formal framework. This collection served as a testament to Tolliver’s three-decade career exploring various artistic mediums. Sula Bermúdez-Silverman’s work titled ‘Theropods’ takes inspiration from claw-foot furniture. In Chinese decorative arts tradition, it is standard to see a dragon’s talons clasping an orb, symbolizing notions of strength and security. Through these sculptures, Bermúdez-Silverman invites us to reflect on the pervasive influence of social doctrines and cultural aspirations in the objects and art that surround us. Chiffon Thomas crafts sculptures and installations that blend elements of abstraction and figuration. Thomas often uses construction materials alongside casts created from the artist’s own body, portraying the human body in fragmented forms, combined with materials that have been broken, giving life to surreal figures.

Maria Maea intimately engages with her materials, crafting body-sized sculptures from a diverse array of organic and inorganic elements sourced from her home garden, urban lots, and the historically significant Los Angeles River. The palm, a symbol with deep roots in Samoan craft culture, symbolizes the resilience of those affected by colonization, who have adapted to thrive in challenging new environments. Guadalupe Rosales’ installation features a ceremonial sanctuary with an altar displaying a sculpture of the Mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl, created from materials inspired by lowriding and custom car culture. This piece symbolizes the fluidity of identity. Rosales explores the complexities of identity, challenges fixed cultural ideas, and harmoniously blends ancestral wisdom, personal memory, and contemporary experiences in her work. Art Made Between Opposite Sides (AMBOS) was founded in 2016 by artist Tanya Aguiñiga to address issues at the US-Mexico border through artistic collaborations. Their project, ‘With our hands we build deities’ (2023),’ uses clay hands created with asylum seekers in Tijuana shelters, along with embroidered talismans and personal stories. AMBOS employs craft mediums like textiles and ceramics to shed light on border politics while fostering a co-creative approach. This diverse array of artists and their works provided a rich tapestry of artistic expression, drawing from personal experiences, history, and a profound sense of individuality within the broader creative landscape.

Words by Badir McCleary.

Categories
Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Willie Middlebrook

Fallen Through The Cracks – Cliff Joseph

Willie Middlebrook

#FallenThroughTheCracks –  Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. was born on August 11, 1957, in Detroit, MI. He was a photographer and artist, and an ardent advocate for the African-American community in Los Angeles. Throughout his illustrious career, this remarkable artist garnered numerous accolades and left an indelible mark on the world of photography in Los Angeles and beyond.

Educationally endowed, he possessed an Associate of Arts degree in Art/Photography from Compton Community College and a Certificate in Design from the Communicative Arts Academy. His legacy extended beyond his artistry as he became an influential figure in the classroom, teaching at renowned institutions like the Watts Towers Arts Center and California State University, Los Angeles. Additionally, he served on the advisory committee for the Photography Department at his alma mater, Compton Community College.

Willie Middlebrook, n His “Own” Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His "Own" Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.
Willie Middlebrook, n His “Own” Image From the series Portraits of My People, 1992. © Willie Middlebrook Estate.

As a fine artist, he is celebrated for his portraits of African-American individuals and communities in the greater Los Angeles area, always depicted with dignity and respect. His innovative photographic printing techniques, marked by thickly applied photographic emulsion in a dripping fashion, layered upon surfaces and meticulously exposed to create unique prints, became a hallmark of his work. His journey was punctuated by more than two decades of awards and recognition, including the City of Los Angeles Individual Artist Fellowship grant from the Department of Cultural Affairs in 2009, commendations from the Los Angeles City Council, and the distinguished title of “Hometown Hero” bestowed upon him by the City of Compton.

His journey was paved with recognition and honors, including two prestigious Visual Artist Fellowships in photography from the National Endowment for the Arts. His artistic prowess extended to public commissions, with notable contributions to iconic structures like the Los Angeles Metro Expo/Crenshaw Station. His lens also captured history as a photographer for Time Magazine, with his poignant images of the African-American struggle in Los Angeles finding a global audience, primarily in European editions. Major museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the Studio Museum in Harlem, and LACMA quickly recognized the profound significance of his work, eagerly adding his creations to their collections. Willie Robert Middlebrook, Jr. died on May 5, 2012, in Los Angeles, CA.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Projects

“Remote”, a new Web Series presented in partnership with Not Real Art World

Remote: Exploring Public Art with Badir McCleary

We have been holding this secret for way too long and now we are excited to announce that we are releasing “Remote”, a 6-part web series focused on exploring Public Art! I had the pleasure of partnering with my good friend Scott “Sourdough” Power on this amazing project and can’t wait for you all to enjoy, critique, and repeat! It will be released in the social media and YouTube realms this weekend and also on ArtAboveReality.com! I’m so thrilled about this and looking forward to your comments and more! Check out the trailer and read the show details below!

In a world adorned with vibrant creativity and captivating stories, lies a secret waiting to be uncovered. Welcome to ‘Remote,’ the art series that takes you on a mesmerizing journey to the hidden corners of the globe, where art installations breathe life into cities, communities, and souls.

Join us as we embark on an extraordinary exploration, peeling back the layers of public art’s profound impact. From towering sculptures to interactive murals, each stroke and structure holds a tale, a testament to the boundless imagination of artists who dared to dream big. Our mission is simple: to unveil the enigmatic stories woven into these artistic marvels. We’ll delve deep into the heart of each artwork, unraveling its message, dissecting its symbolism, and celebrating the incredible minds behind its creation.

‘Remote’ is a journey that transcends the canvas and embraces the profound connections between art, communities, and the human experience. Together, we’ll uncover how public art breathes life into forgotten neighborhoods, ignites conversations, and transforms entire cities into living galleries of inspiration. Get ready to embark on a global quest, where artistry knows no boundaries and every brushstroke, every sculpture, tells a tale waiting to be heard. Welcome to ‘Remote,’ where art’s untold stories come to life. Watch the series exclusively on Not Real Art!

Categories
Fallen Through The Cracks

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Ruth Gilliam Waddy

Fallen Through The Cracks – Black Artists in History: Ruth Gilliam Waddy

Fallen Through The Cracks – Ruth Gilliam Waddy

Ruth Gilliam Waddy

#FallenThroughTheCracksRuth Gilliam Waddy was born Willanna Ruth Gilliam on January 7, 1909, in Lincoln, Nebraska, and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She was an American artist, printmaker, activist, and editor who was known for her practice of linocut printmaking and was in her fifties when she turned to art as a career. Her highly contracted prints featured stories about African-American visibility. 

She attended the University of Minnesota with hopes of teaching but had to leave school to help support her family during the Great Depression. She moved with her young daughter to Los Angeles to find work as a riveter at Douglas Aircraft Corporation. After the war, she worked at a county hospital, where one of her co-workers was artist Noah Purifoy.

Ruth Gilliam Waddy, Untitled Series B, 1969. Estate of Ruth Gilliam Waddy. Credit: John Wilson White, Studio Phocasso.
Ruth Gilliam Waddy, The Fence, 1969. Estate of Ruth Gilliam Waddy. Credit: John Wilson White, Studio Phocasso.

In 1966, her work was part of “The Negro in American Art,” a traveling exhibition funded by the California Arts Commission, and took on a cross-country bus trip to collect artworks for Prints by American Negro Artists (1967). With artist Samella Lewis, she edited Black Artists on Art (1969 and 1971). Waddy and Lewis are considered two of the “founding mothers” of the Black Arts Movement in California.

She founded an organization of artists called Art West Associated which extended the groundbreaking work of co-op galleries and helped promote the work of Black artists in the 60s and 70s in Los Angeles. She was one of twelve African-American artists honored by the Los Angeles Bicentennial in 1981, received an honorary doctorate from Otis Art Institute in 1987, and received a lifetime achievement award from the Women’s Caucus for Art in 2001. Her papers are at the Amistad Research Center, Tulane University. Ruth G. Waddy died on May 24, 2003, at age 94, in San Francisco, California.

(Text paraphrased from Wikipedia and other sources. All Images are the property of the copyright owners. This clip is for educational purposes.)

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Interviews and Conversations

The Identity Theft Collection by Chukes

The Identity Theft Collection by Chukes, A Film Series by ArtAboveReality

“This body of work is my creative voice. I have titled it, Identity Theft; Creations from a Social Consciousness.

I began working on the majority of these pieces at the beginning of 2016 and some date earlier than that. I initially created this work as a protest toward the televised brutality and killings of Black people and people of color. These killings were not only happening in America but throughout the world.

As I look back at my own history, as well as researching world history, I reflect on what I have been taught about myself and other darker-skinned people of the world. The work in this exhibit is my artistic representation of what happens when people or nations of people are stripped of their indigenous identity and re-taught a history that historically filters the truth and presents an incorrect version of past and present injustices. This filtered history, as I call it, is being used against us as a weapon of self-destruction.” – Chukes

IdentityTheft by Chukes: Episode One – Prehistoric Woman
IdentityTheft by Chukes: Episode Two – Eve
IdentityTheft by Chukes: Episode Three – The Time Traveler
IdentityTheft by Chukes: Episode Four – Royalty A.K.A. The Dope Dealer

Categories
Interviews and Conversations Projects

The Art School Graduates Podcast

The Art School Graduates Podcast

On the Art School Graduates Podcast, we talk about current events in the art world and try to put them in context for our listeners, going behind the article and uncovering the true information. We ask questions, debate, and give more insight into topics the average art lover may not be aware of. Join me and my co-host, Justin Robinson, as we dig deep into navigating the art world! Season One is available now on all of your podcasting platforms!