_______hood/Blankhood Exhibition
3D MAP
exhibitions
september 4-17, 2017
artist talk
september 9, 2017
the carrack modern art
durham, nc
sponsored by:
the carrack
fractured atlas
synopsis
_______hood is an exhibition focused on the "coming of age" and "rite of passage" concepts with identity. The exhibition was a display of five emerging artists, whose work reflected different aspects of identity, and their process of becoming establish professional artists in the contemporary art world. In the artist talk, also broadcased live on YouTube, discussed their work, their process, the issues their work addressed, and their personal stories and influences that inspired them on their path.
Bailey's work overall speaks upon the themes of role models and empowerment. Much of her work gives honor back to the people in her life who have encouraged her. Her work is also focused on healing and therapy. The collectives "between our legs" is a personal expression of Bailey in her "coming of age" in a relationship and an investigation of the idea of associating virginity with virtue.
McFadden brings to the table a conversation regarding the black male identity. His portraits of black male subjects are accompanied by intimate writings of the subjects’ father, or father figure, reflecting on their influence and how that played a role in the individual’s view of "the ideal black man". The work is a sharp contrast to the stereotypes of men of color as portrayed in media and culture.
Marcus introduces the identity of adulthood in a changing family dynamic. Her work illustrates her dealing with the tension of coming back, as a grown woman, to a family that still envisions her when she was a child. She incorporates dance into her photography as reflects her journey, trials, and tribulations during her time staying with her family to care for her father who had been dealing with cancer.
Matson opens the conversation around the topic of toxic masculinity. with his series of paintings comprised of unconventional materials. In his work, Matson addresses the issue by taking materials from what is believed to be "a man's job", such as motor oil, antifreeze, plaster, and resin, and uses these materials to make large-scale paintings. Over time, the work decays as the abrasive materials begin to break down the work and its integrity, reflecting the nature of culture's mindset to what a man should be.
Contrera questions the constructs of gender as a whole through a series of photographs of gender-fluid subjects. His collection is all made up of 8 X 10 tintypes portraying people who may play their gender role during the day, but at night begin blurring those lines. In this series, he also seeks to capture the sense of community and tribal bonds among the subjects and himself in the LGBTQIAP+ community.