ZAINAB

Last week I had an amazing studio visit with Sarah Walko who is the Executive director at Triangle Arts- a not-for-profit arts organization whose mission is to support emerging and mid-career international and national visual artists, encouraging dialogue and experimentation through workshops, residencies and exhibition opportunities.   

She wisely suggested that I open my mind to the idea of 'infiltrating' the very cultural structures that create accepted notions of beauty and use them as a platform to create an inspired dialogue.  I have always imagined that my art career would develop in the context of mass consumption and that the gallery would be an afterthought to this process.  Her comment rang truly, and I think I may have stumbled upon an interesting exhibition space.  

While I was enjoying my routine mani/pedi I read the Elle Magazine profile of Zainab Sumu, who in addition to being the proprietor of a hot boutique on the famed Melrose Avenue, is the only daughter of Sierra Leone's former Director of Mines.  I think this is a striking example of beauty politics and how economics, culture, political movements, and gender subtly and overtly shape our version of what is beautiful.  

I am writing (and calling) to see if I might present video work in the context of her store.  It's sexy, shimmery, and smart- it would be an innovative entry to my exhibition catalog...