Inglewood's History Comes Alive in Autumn Breon's Performance Of 'Still Here'
Autumn Breon - Still Here
Autumn Breon, the renowned multidisciplinary artist, unveiled her captivating live performance, Still Here, on Saturday, September 23rd. This extraordinary event marked the grand opening of Residency Art Gallery's new location at Hollywood Park in Inglewood, CA, adding a vibrant chapter to the city's rich history.
Drawing inspiration from the cultural tapestry of Inglewood, Autumn Breon orchestrated a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. The soundscape was adorned with the harmonious melodies of the Grant A.M.E. Church Choir and the spirited rhythms of the Black Fist Brass Band. What sets this performance apart from others is the interactive nature, inviting the audience to approach Autumn Breon, pluck a memory note from her hair, and embark on a journey through Inglewood's cherished past.
Autumn Breon
Autumn Breon's motivation for this project is deeply rooted in the changing landscape of Inglewood. She believes that as the city evolves, it is vital to pay homage to its historical significance. Residency Art Gallery, founded in 2016, shares this commitment, being one of the few Black-owned commercial art spaces dedicated to serving LA's diverse communities.
The gallery's mission is to amplify the voices of contemporary artists who create art that resonates with their communities. Often, these narratives get lost or misappropriated in predominantly White, affluent, and inaccessible art spaces elsewhere in the city. Residency Art Gallery seeks to answer a fundamental question: How can art by people of color reach its intended audience within their own neighborhoods?
Autumn Breon's work encapsulates a powerful message of liberation through a queer Black feminist lens. Employing various mediums, including performance, sculpture, and public installation, she encourages audiences to explore intersectional identities and the memories of the African Diaspora. Her previous work, (Don't) Use Me, examined the concept of time through the lens of Black women's labor, shedding light on the stark racial and gender pay disparities.
Autumn Breon - Don't Use Me
Breon's art is a call to action, an invitation for the public to participate in reimagining and building systems that render oppressive ones obsolete. She has an impressive portfolio, having created commissions for institutions like the Art Production Fund, Frieze Art Fair, and the ACLU of Southern California, and her performances have graced prestigious venues like Hauser & Wirth, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and the Water Mill Center.
Autumn Breon's journey has been one of intellectual and artistic exploration, from her studies in Aeronautics and astronautics at Stanford University to her innovative work in the realm of art. She is also the recipient of the Crenshaw Dairy Mart Fellowship for Abolition & the Advancement of the Creative Economy.
Still Here was an immersive experience, a testament to Autumn Breon's unwavering commitment to storytelling and activism through art. This performance not only celebrates Inglewood's heritage but also serves as a beacon of hope for the future, where art transcends boundaries and speaks directly to the hearts of its intended audience.
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