Inspiration Ink

One consistent art practice I have is to reload my pen with the ink of inspiration. I love losing myself in exhibits and allowing the artists to hold my attention to what it is they have to say. What flows out in my writing is what I have to say in response. It is my way of being in conversation with artists.

I just discovered the exquisite work of Faith Ringgold. Her retrospective, “Faith Ringgold: American People,” is displayed at The New Museum in New York. It is the most comprehensive exhibition to date of her groundbreaking artist vision. It is a run, do not walk, an urgency to see this woman’s work, who has been painting and quilting and soft sculpting at the intersection of race and gender for half a century, all while picking at herself like women do around her weight and body image. I mean, Ringgold’s powerful art says let me wake everybody up while I’m also distracted and dealing with these 20 extra pounds I gained. So she made that art too— whew her story quilts are not to be missed. Take your time with this one. A true must-see. A big shout out to Isolde Brielmaier for the recommendation to see it and your contributions to getting this important work to the public.

The exhibit is on view through June 5, 2022. The image above is one of my favorite moments in the exhibit.

[Personal note: I went on March 10, 2022, on a Thursday night with my good girlfriend, Toyin Love. We walked the blocks and talked about the impact the work had on us, had dinner, and talked some more about the intersections in our lives.]