complex-exchange-collaboration-connectivity

The Two Sisters, 2012, Kehinde Wiley — *The Two Sisters* (detail), 2012, Kehinde Wiley, American, b. 1977, oil on linen, 96 x 72 in., Collection of Pamela K. and William A. Royall, Jr. Courtesy of Sean Kelly, New York, © Kehinde Wiley, Photo: Jason Wyche.

Complex Exchange: Collaboration | Connectivity

Apr 13 2016
Northwest African American Museum (NAAM)
2300 S. Massachusetts St., Seattle WA
7 PM – 9 PM

SOLD OUT

Advanced RSVPS are sold out. Available seats will be released prior to the program and there will be standing room.

Presented in partnership with the Northwest African American Museum, Complex Exchange pairs Seattle community members from varying disciplines in a series of conversations related to issues of race, power, and politics of representation. Artists, technologists, activists, writers, and community builders tackle themes inspired by the exhibition, Kehinde Wiley: A New Republic , on view at the Seattle Art Museum, and The Harmon & Harriet Kelley Collection of African American Art: Works on Paper at the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM). Complex Exchange features presenters and practices that reference black experience and the lives of people of color from a local context.

This session features Cristina Orbe, Karen Toering, and Gabriel Teodros.

Kehinde Wiley is one of the leading American artists to emerge in the last decade and he has been ingeniously reworking the grand portraiture traditions of Western culture, in paintings of people of color in contemporary attire. Wiley’s portraits are highly stylized and staged, and draw attention to the dialectic between a history of aristocratic representation and the portrait as a statement of power and the individual’s sense of empowerment.

The Kelley Collection features works from Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Robert Colescott, and other icons whose works were the first to represent black life in the America and paved the way for innovation. Complex Exchange furthers this dialogue through a mix of perspectives and practice. Conversations will explore the following themes:

Tradition | Innovation
February 24, 7 – 9pm
NAAM*

Power | Privilege
March 23, 7 – 9pm
SAM

Collaboration | Connectivity
April 13, 7 – 9pm
NAAM*

Media | Representation
May 4, 7 – 9pm
SAM

*Note the programs on February 24 and April 13 will take place at NAAM.

Parking at NAAM is limited. We encourage you to consider alternative transportation.