PIXELATING: Black in New Dimensions

PIXELATING: Black in New Dimensions
Curated by Zemen Kidane, Isissa Komada-John, & Jabari Owens-Bailey
MoCADA’s 2011-2012 Curatorial Fellows
November 17, 2011 – February 25, 2012

If one gets close enough, zooms in to get an intimate look, can the color black become pixelated? Pixelating is a series of five curatorial projects taking place in various formats from November 17, 2011 to February 25, 2012. Under the overarching theme of Pixelating, the curatorial series highlights the discreet elements that directly challenge notions of a universal Black identity.

Pixelating brings together works of contemporary artists, writers and filmmakers who engage with issues of cultural authenticity, hybridity, memory, and re-imagining Diaspora in a globalized world. Pixelating seeks to add to the lineage of an ever-evolving Black aesthetic. This exhibition creates a visual language for current debates over the continued necessity for overt racial engagement versus the validity of racial ambiguity in the Obama Era. Pixelating deconstructs the monolith, bringing to light contemporary concepts of identity and self-definition in this current moment.

Artists: Nida Abidi, Crystal Z. Campbell, Delphine Diallo & Sidi “Leghead” Abdul-Khaaliq, Jibade-Khalil Huffman, Las Hermanas Iglesias, Lorra Jackson, and Jacolby Satterwhite.

Satellite Exhibition
Pixelating: Black Image in the Age of Digital Reproduction
On view November 17, 2011 – February 25, 2012
Lambent Foundation, 55 Exchange Place, Suite 406, NYC
Featuring works by Crystal Z. Campbell, Delphine Diallo, and Jacolby Satterwhite.
For an appointment to view the exhibition, please call 646.747.2053 or email info@lambentfoundation.org. Visiting hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm.

Artist Talk
Tuesday, November 29 | 6:00 – 8:30pm
MoCADA, 80 Hanson Place, Brooklyn
Moderated by Trey Ellis, author of “The New Black Aesthetic.”

Publication Release Party
January 13  | 6:00 – 8:00pm
Lambent Foundation, 55 Exchange Place, Suite 406, NYC
Join the curators, artists and publication contributors to celebrate the release of the Pixelating literary publication. Wine and refreshments will be served.

D-I-Y Festival
Saturday, January 21 | 2:00 – 6:00pm
MoCADA, 80 Hanson Place, Brooklyn
A curated marketplace that highlights the diverse cross section of artisans of color who are part of the Do-it-Yourself movement, interested in exchanging handmade goods, ideas and skills in community.

Pixelating: Indie Films in Black
A series of screenings that couple independently produced films with web series that offer an alternative to mainstream media’s depictions of Black life. A conversation with the directors will follow each screening. Festival curated in partnership with Black Public Media.

Saturday, February 4 | 4:00 – 6:00pm
South Oxford Space, 138 South Oxford Street, Brooklyn
An Oversimplification of Her Beauty | Directed by Terence Nance
The Misadventures of Awkward Black Girl | Created by Issa Rae

Thursday, February 10 | 6:30 – 8:30pm
CUNY Graduate Center, Martin E. Segal Theatre, 365 Fifth Avenue, NYC
Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin | Produced by Black Public Media
Mondo Black: Black Queer & Beyond | Produced by Gabriel Tolliver

Saturday, February 25 | 4:00 – 6:00pm
Brooklyn Public Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
Medicine for Melancholy | Directed by Barry Jenkins
Habesha Life | Created by Ambessa Jir Berhe

All programs are free and open to the public.

Special thanks to Pixelating partners: Media MVMT, Lambent Foundation, Black Public Media, Brooklyn Public Library, The Center for Place, Culture, and Politics at CUNY Graduate Center, IFC Films, Zanta Media, Issa Rae Productions, South Oxford Space – A Project of A.R.T./New York, and The Sheridan Press.