View from the Other Side features local artists' response to the previous exhibit, Network of Mutuality: 50 Years Post-Birmingham. The artists created pieces working within the topic of Civil Rights struggles in our region. Both exhibits are a part of the Museum's two-year series, Destination Freedom: Civil Rights Struggles Then and Now. To bring further insights into the exhibit, we took the opportunity to ask the artists about their artwork, what in history inspired them to create it and what they hope guest gain from their art.
Next up: Antoine Williams, Local Artist and Designer
What part of history inspired your artwork?
When it comes to history, I'm interested in how human beings have interacted with one another. Therefore, points in time when one group exerts power over another and reaction that produces. More specifically, slavery up to Jim Crow and the civil rights movement, American military history, also the relationship between the ruling class and average people.
What do you hope guest experience when viewing your artwork?
Evoking any type of emotion is of particular interest to me. The view completes the piece. So, I hope they bring their own experiences to the work, coupled with what I've created maybe they can come to their own conclusions.
What roles does the community play in your art?
My work is a look at how socioeconomic factors can affect ones cultural identity, therefore, the art I'm creating is heavily influenced by the communities I grew up with and the ones I currently exist in now.
What other imagery/ stories do you explore within your work?
Lately, I've been interested in merging representations of contemporary people from various social strata with early 18th century animal illustrations, as a look into how we create monsters out of those we deem different than ourselves.
Learn more about Antoine on his Tumblr and website.
Come view Antoine and other's artwork in the View from the Other Side exhibit at the Levine Museum, on display through February 2, 2014.
Have you seen Antoine's artwork? Tell us what you think below.
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View from the Other Side features local artists' response to the previous exhibit, Network of Mutuality: 50 Years Post-Birmingham. The artists created pieces working within the topic of Civil Rights struggles in our region. Both exhibits are a part of the Museum's two-year series, Destination Freedom: Civil Rights Struggles Then and Now. To bring further insights into the exhibit, we took the opportunity to ask the artists about their artwork, what in history inspired them to create it and what they hope guest gain from their art.
Next up: Rosalia Weiner, Local Artist and Founder of Project Art Aid
What part of history inspired your artwork?
My work is heavily influenced by current events. In my view, what is happening with immigrant rights, immigration reform, and the rise of Hispanic culture in America is historic.
What do you hope guest experience when viewing your artwork?
I hope that guest experience the vibrant colors of my Mexican culture, and I also hope that my work broadens their perception of immigration issues.
What role does the community play in your art?
The community plays a very important role in my work. My work is often based on their stories and experiences, and art is my tool for giving voice to the issues that are affecting us.
What other imagery/stories do you explore within your work?
I have also told love stories with my art. In a recent commission, I narrated the story of a couple and blended family, with images detailing the places where they were from, where they met, and distinct aspects of their personalities and style.
Come view Rosalia and other's artwork in the View from the Other Side exhibit at the Levine Museum, on display through February 2, 2014.
Tell us what you think of Rosalia's work in the comments below and share with your friends!
Be sure to follow us on Twitter, tag us on Instagram and like us on Facebook.
View from the Other Side features local artists' responses to the exhibit, Network of Mutuality: 50 Years Post-Birmingham. The artists submitted pieces related to the topic of Civil Rights struggles in our region. Both exhibits are presented as part of the Museum's two-year series, Destination Freedom: Civil Rights Struggles Then and Now. To bring deeper insights into the exhibit, we asked the artists to talk about their work and share what in history inspired them and what they hope guests gain from their art.
Next up: Mikale Kwiatkowski, Local Artist and UNC Charlotte School of Architecture Teaching Fellow
What part of history inspired your artwork?
Feminist theory from the 1970's to the present was the starting point for my research, and queer theory from the early 1990's to the present became an even more influential driver during my actual making process. In addition, artists like Rebecca Horn and Rachael Whiteread continue to be influential.
What do you hope guests experience when viewing your artwork?
Honestly, my greatest hope is that my piece will prompt new thought in viewers -- that people who have never before considered how they publicly perform identities like gender and sexuality might consider culturally constructed scripts that they have adopted as their own. I have no issue with conscious choices people make around these identities but I firmly believe many people unconsciously follow socially prescribed scripts instead of making choices from the stronger vantage point of awareness.
What role does the community play in your art?
Community, well it plays a big role I guess. Cultural ideology is embedded within communities. There is a lot to like about Charlotte, but the conservative nature of the city is its own obstacle for progressive growth. The effort that Levine Museum of the New South makes in bringing awareness to normalizing ideology is striking and extremely valuable in a community like Charlotte's.
What other imagery/ stories do you explore within your work?
For the time being, I am focused on creating experiential assemblages that attempt to disrupt or destabilize processes of normalization that exist in Western culture.
Come view Mikale and others' artwork in the View from the Other Side exhibit at Levine Museum, on display through February 2, 2014.
Be sure to follow us on Twitter, tag us on Instagram and like us on Facebook.
