[Exhibition] H(A)UNTED: CCCADI & MoCADA put out an Artist call to Action in response to the murder of Trayvon Martin

 

This exhibition that will be curated by Shantrelle P Lewis is a direct response the murder of Black teenager Trayvon Martin who was shot by neighbourhood watch captain George Zimmerman who is yet to be arrested. The crime has sparked anger worldwide as 911 calls show a racist motive to what Zimmerman is calling ‘self defence’. Rallies have taken place in Martin’s state of Florida, New York, Washington DC, and Los Angeles (a vigil and protest are also set to take place in London next week).

Since what has been coined as the ‘Million Hoodie March’ many people including schools, celebrities and most recently Dwayne Wade and team members of basketball team the Miami Heat have posted pictures of themselves wearing hoodies – the item of clothing worn by Martin on the day of his death and which has sparked debate over whether or not an item of clothing automatically means you’re ‘up to no good.’

 

Artists have always played an important part in how their work documents and tells the tale of the good and bad that goes on in the world so I’m greatful for both organisations for springing to action and putting this show on, as many voices need to be heard on this matter. The exhibition, set to be held at the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI) is seeking artist submissions.

RELEVANCE:

CCCADI and MoCADA are committed to upholding a tradition of arts and activism. In the same manner in which Ida B. Wells-Barnett fought feverishly against lynchings and W.E.B. du Bois urged artists to use their talent for the sake of propaganda, our institutions encourage artists to use their voices to contribute to the empowerment of our communities.  In response to Travyon Martin’s recent unwarranted murder and the consequences of being Black and male in America, we invite artists to join us in raising critical awareness in the demand for justice and the fight to end the criminalization of Black men that is an apparent result of racial stereotyping. In a recent report conducted by The Opportunity Agenda entitled “Media Representations and the Impact on the Lives of Black Men and Boys,” a direct correlation was made between the portrayal in media of Black men and boys and how resulting effects on society of these images, lowers their life expectancy.  Given the nature of this epidemic throughout history, from the countless lynchings of Black men and boys, the brutal murders of unarmed men by the police, and the prosecution and imprisonment of others, this exhibition seeks to confront stereotypes, incite critical analysis and engage activism. Additionally, institutions, we stand in solidarity with all families throughout the U.S. who are still grieving the lost lives of their sons. H(A)UNTED seeks to confront mainstream messaging and visual culture’s bombardment of negative images that stereotype Black men. It also seeks to address what happens in the aftermath of the horrendous results of racial stereotyping.  Lastly, this exhibition will provide a platform for artists to speak out and challenge the status quo in attempts to shift the ideological and behavioral paradigms that currently dictate the livelihood of Black men and boys in our society.

 

SUBMISSIONS

In order for your submission to be considered complete, please forward ALL of the items below:

1. Please submit 5-10 hi-res jpeg images with descriptions completed on Inventory List (title, medium, dimensions, date(s) of completion). Images should be submitted via a flickr link or CD.

2. CV or Resume

3. Artist Statement – as it relates specifically to the exhibition’s topic.

4. Brief bio

5. For videos, email link or file. (Must be Quicktime compatible).

6. Submission Application

7. Inventory List

 

INCOMPLETE SUBMISSIONS will not be considered.

 

NOTE: Please upload images via flickr and send a link. Please be prepared to submit hi-res images upon request.

 

Forward submissions and questions to:

Shantrelle P. Lewis at slewis@cccadi.org

212.307.7420 ext. 3008

 

DEADLINE (2.5 weeks)

April 7, 2012

 

EXHIBITION DATES

April  21 – May 15, 2012

 

LOCATION:

Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute

For more info about the exhibition check this Facebook note

 

image via iwakeupanddream

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