When we recognize how much can change in a very short time, we often experience fear where joy and confidence once resided. Fear is rooted in the unknown, and when we find ourselves outside of our natural spaces of “knowing,” it can be hard to embrace anything that seems less than secure or known. It’s in that space between the known and the opportunity to create something new that art emerges and provides the super glue to hold everything together.
Art fills voids of knowing and lights up the shadows of the unknown. Lately, I have chosen to step into these spaces. With a renewed sense of urgency, I’ve been bursting into the worlds of creative people, who have taken me places I didn’t even know I needed to go but found joy upon arrival.
Such is the case with Eboni Booth’s Primary Trust, now playing (until November 27th) at the Seattle Reperatory Theatre. Without any spoilers for anyone who may not have seen it, this is a familiar story of isolation and fear of change, and we get to walk with the character Kenneth as he digs deep to find the courage to face his biggest fear. Kenneth has to find a way to trust himself, and what he unearths is a kind of freedom that eluded the majority of his existence.
Taking in the brilliance of Bethany Collins, the 2023 recipient of the Gwendolyn Knight and Jacob Lawrence Prize, gives me so much hope for the future. With artists like her using language and words as a commentary on what is known but not necessarily settled, we are provided an energizing lesson in how even minor tweaks in the vernacular can change an intent. Her exhibit, Bethany Collins: At Sea, is currently on view at the Seattle Art Museum and uses language as subject and medium to explore nuances and intersections of racial identity and American history. Bethany is brilliant in every sense of the word, and her work is challenging and enlightening. She is a wonderful representation of the Gwendolyn Knight and Jacob Lawrence Prize, which has been awarded to an early to mid-career Black artist since 2009. Her exhibit will be up at SAM until May 2025.
Joyce Scott’s Walk a Mile in My Dreams is also on view at SAM through January 19th, and the Jacob Lawrence American Storyteller exhibit is up until January 5th. The work of three Black artists is available to us right now, at this time when we need them to give us perspective and help shift our hearts and minds, helping us to remember what we know and hear anew what we thought we understood.
Stop into ARTE NOIR or Wa Na Wari and grab a free admission ticket to SAM to check out these exhibits for some soul and mind renewal. Plus, don't miss the opportunity to experience George Jennings' exhibit at ARTE NOIR, The Women, The Paper, and The Light.
In addition to the many artists that grace us at ARTE NOIR, I extend my personal thanks to the artists, individuals, and arts organizations that have recently extended invitations allowing me to put art over everything, including Intiman Theatre, Seattle Rep, Historic Central Area Arts and Cultural District, ArtsCorps, Seattle Art Museum, Barbara Earl Thomas, and Path with Art. My sincere gratitude for your creativity and persistence.
Vivian Phillips, Founder + Board President
A beautiful moment celebrating the beauty of Black artistry after our panel discussion for The Women, The Paper, and The Light with artist George Jennings and models, on November 17th.
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