VES-SEL A Celebration Of American History

I will be participating in an amazing group show curated by Kenya Robinson during Black Heritage Month at The Brennan Gallery in Jersey City.

February 2 - February 26
6pm-8pm
Justice William Brennan Court House
583 Newark Ave.
Jersey City, NJ 07306

The Brennan Gallery is located between Baldwin & Summit Ave.
Walking distance from the Journal Square PATH Station
Open Monday-Friday
9am-6pm


ves·sel a celebration of american history

A fusion of both literal and metaphorical interpretations of ‘container’, ‘ship’, ‘body’ and ‘blood’, ves·sel seeks to emphasize American-ness of Black History. Curated by Kenya (Robinson) and aptly represented by two dimensional, sculptural, and time based works, this exhibition acknowledges the history that is often obscured by the journey forward. On view at the historic Brennan Gallery (Jersey City, NJ) from February 2, 2009 - February 23, 2010, Visitors are invited to consider the composition and contents of various “containers” whether they are assigned or self imposed, actual or imagined.

ves·sel will host works from artists in a range of media that create and investigate vessels in a variety of forms, and connect to the particular history of African-Americans. “To be sure, this experiment, called the United States of America begins on a vessel. It is a maritime tale of adventurers and refugees alike- each individual imagining a life different from before. This sense of impending difference was no more evident than in the case of enslaved Africans and their horrific journey across the seas,” said curator (Robinson). Artists to show in the gallery collection include Aaron Gilbert, Adrian Roman, Becca Albee, Cornrow Rider, Deana Lawson, Elia Alba, Erika Ranee, Eto Otitigbe, Jace Clayton, Jeff Sims, Jorge Rojas, Michael Paul Britto, Robert Pruitt, Simone Leigh, Wura-Natasha Ogunji, and Zachary Fabri.

The opening is scheduled for Tuesday, February 2, 2009 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. and will feature African drumming as an interactive performance (Jorge Rojas), as well as event specific presentations by Zachary Fabri and Eto Otitigbe.

The Brennan Gallery is located in the Theodore Conrad Rotunda in the Justice Brennan Court House, at 583 Newark Avenue, Jersey City, open from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. The building is fully wheelchair accessible.

This exhibit is made possible by funds from the Hudson County Office of Cultural & Heritage Affairs/Tourism Development, Thomas A. DeGise, Hudson County Executive, and the Hudson County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

History is the ship carrying living memories to the future.
- Sir Stephen Spender

To be sure, this experiment, called the United States of America begins on a vessel. It is a maritime tale of adventurers and refugees alike- each individual imagining a life different from before. This sense of impending difference was no more evident than in the case of enslaved Africans and their horrific journey across the seas…

There's a little bit of heaven in that muddy road to freedom | Follow the drinkin' gourd | Step by step keep a'travelin' on | Follow the drinkin' gourd
- American Folk Song

As Africans lent their bodies to the building of a nation, bloodlines fused and created a physical sense of American-ness that continues to be the product of human complexities. The drinking gourd was now more than a vessel; it was a road map to freedom. Black bodies, which were never simply vessels of work, became the possessors of dreams, intellect, desire and culture.

ves·sel is a fusion of both literal and metaphorical interpretations of ‘container’, ‘ship’, ‘body’ and ‘blood’. Aptly represented by two dimensional, sculptural, and time based works, this exhibition is an attempt to acknowledge the history that is often obscured by the journey forward.

If my ship sails from sight, it doesn't mean my journey ends; it simply means the river bends.
- John Enoch Powell