We are heartbroken over the surge in hate crimes against the Asian American community and are committed to using our platform to not only condemn racism, but shine a brighter light on those who lift us up. For this Inspired By series, we’d like to highlight some of those artists in the AAPI community and acknowledge the legacy they will leave behind for generations to come. Yayoi KusamaThis Japanese artist is best known for her works in sculpture and installation, but her conceptual style knows no bounds. Her intense, large-scale environments are often dense and vibrant - inspired by the rise of Abstract Expressionism in the US. Her signature use of dots comes from the idea that everything in our...
Jennie C. Jones is a Black artist currently working in New York. The Midwest native has made waves through her ability to combine painting and sound. Her work as a visual and sonic artist draws from minimalism, abstraction, and Black history in an effort to engage her audience.These connections between art and sound are made with multiple mediums, from paintings to sculptures and paper to audio collages. Jones’ conceptual works reflect on the impact of both modernism and minimalism. Her use of unconventional materials and simplified compositions work to bring sound to the forefront.We look to Jones’ works for inspiration in unlikely combinations. Her ability to combine unexpected elements and strive to find the perfect balance is one reason...
Our next ‘Inspired By’ artist is a celebrated contemporary sculptor: Simone Leigh. Her artworks frequently incorporate materials traditionally associated with African art and history while also blending in her own personal experiences. The Chicago-born artist focus on race, history and gender, but above all on the black female experience. After her time as an intern at the Smithsonian National Museum of African Art in Washington, D.C., Leigh developed an interest in the categorization and display of African diaspora. From there, she took her career to New York where she remains today. Leigh also founded an organization called Black Women Artists for Black Lives Matter, a collective formed after the murder of Philando Castille and in protest against racial injustice. her...
The last couple weeks have brought about a lot of emotions. Anger, sadness, shame, helplessness - just to name a few. But, as we process the tragic death of George Floyd, I am choosing one emotion to guide me: inspiration. I’m inspired by our friends of color and their strength.By those protesting, voting, and making their voices heardBy those across the globe showing their supportBy those donating to organizations for justice By those businesses dedicated to inclusivity By those educating themselvesBy those supporting black-owned brandsIt only seems right for this issue of ‘INSPIRED BY’ to focus on those in the Black community. Black artists have been making waves in the art world for centuries, but today we want to...
Self-care rituals are so important these days, but the biggest thing to remember is that it isn’t always easy to find time to do so - and THAT is okay! Now more than ever it is important to be kind to ourselves and remember we are all juggling new routines, roles, and challenges. There are a few little acts that I have found to be manageable and bring me extra comfort during these uncertain times. I have been finding solace in journaling. Sitting aside 3 minutes in the morning to let my thoughts out has allowed me to start my days off with a more clear mind. I try to always end each session with a note of gratitude -...
