Havens Inquiry

There are two primary reasons this show was created. The first was to display the work I created from late May to early August 2021. The second reason was to provide an experiential place. This experimental space focused on how to deal with a space that wasn’t ideal for presenting black light work. It provided no track lighting, upper outlets, or relevant administrative support. These are the bare minimum circumstances I expect from non-academic resource so it is a fertile space. The first objective was executed, and I have little to no concerns.

The second circumstance is where things get interesting. How I deal with creating a black light environment where it is not clean or easy. My initial idea what to try and hide all of the cords that make the piece. Doing so would have felt fake, in organic and incomplete. So after talking to one of my advisors – Mr. Conrad – I decided to lean into the idea of extension cords as a form of line that reflects the prints themselves. Extension cords transport and exude electricity and power so I will reflect that. There is a connection between Black Frankenstein’s monster and power that I would like to explore.

At its core I am working to dissect the black monsters that average white Americans see through pop culture and the reality of what it means to be black.

A haven is a sanctuary that all can come to regardless of circumstance, Im I want to know what a haven means to a monster.