Today I met with Carlos Suarez De Jesus of the Miami New Times, who is writing about the Space is the Place exhibition at Diaspora Vibe Gallery, and one of the first things he told me was that he wasn’t interested in “all of that critical theory.” He told me straight up that he was interested in writing about art in a way that’s accessible and engaging for everyday people, and that seventy percent of his readers don’t have a background in the arts. That’s where he got me. (That and the fact that he doesn’t have a car and takes the bus and taxi almost everywhere in MIAMI. Which is pretty rare in Miami, where cars dominate, and pedestrians and cyclists are super rare, unless you’re in South Beach. I love to hear this, since I’m also one of those few folks who also jumps on the bus from time to time.)

This was refreshing to hear from him. I reminded him that my whole perspective is as an artist from a working class background of self-taught artists. And while I studied art in college, I am hyper aware of accessibility and who is and is not included or allowed in. I discussed with him that I curated “Space is the Place” to understand the need by artists like myself who feel the need to produce this time-based work that is ephemeral, difficult to sell, and often misunderstood by our communities, families, and others in larger art circles. And that the whole point of this “Space is the Place” show is to encourage people of all backgrounds to enter a space that is interactive, accessible, and multi-sensory. I felt that Diaspora Vibe was probably the most appropriate venue to present this show, since it is the most diverse art space I’ve been in and it’s leaning towards framing more time-based art. The show is about activating the gallery walls in a way so that you can engage with the art in non-traditional ways by listening to sound pieces on headphones and giant life-size speakers, getting a hug by a hug machine, choreographing a movements via skype from Miami to Chicago and vice versa, sitting down on the floor and watching a sci-fi inspired video, being interviewed by artists collectives, or listen to sonic sculptures. My whole point was to engage the senses that are often neglected in traditional art spaces such as touch and sound and to present art that talks back. I also wanted to show the wealth of time-based art being produced by many artists from different edges of the globe, mostly based in the U.S. So I’m looking forward to seeing what is written in the New Times article which comes out next week.

Opening Reception of "Space is the Place" at Diaspora Vibe Gallery

So “Space is the Place” is finally out of my head and out in the world and getting some attention. It’s been a lot of planning, but definitely very rejuvenating and affirming. The catalogue will be available online soon. Here are pics from the opening and a few from the talk. I’m looking forward to escaping to Texas for a moment, seeing familiar faces, doing some sign painting and portraits with Pops, and taking off the curator hat for now..

Currently listening to: “Rowing Song” and “Florida” by Patty Griffin.