Tuesday, September 9, 2014

INTERSECTIONALITY CRITIQUE INITIATIVE

Articles and images are reposted from RMB Studios for this blog post.

I have been invited as a panelist to participate in the critique of students work at the School of the Art Institute Chicago, presenting my environmental installation Grandmother's Circle. on September 24th, 2014.   http://ecocinema.blogspot.com/2013/11/grandmothers-circle-tribute-to-crecys.html. The video documentation from grandmother's circle will be presented at Bronzeville Artist Lofts on September 19th, 2014, 6-10pm during the Bronzeville Trolley Tour..


Multicultural Affairs promotes diversity for the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) community through programs, services, and institutional initiatives. We support, advocate for, and mediate for students on issues of inclusivity, representation, and empowerment with specific emphasis on the needs of underrepresented communities. We also help connect students with the rich cultural tapestry of Chicago, providing them with diverse experiences and exposure to a variety of backgrounds.

RASHAYLA MARIE BROWN: ON HER INTERSECTIONALITY CRITIQUE INITIATIVE

La Keisha Leek


Photo Credit: Elizabeth Harper
PHOTO CREDIT: ELIZABETH HARPER
Rashayla Marie Brown is an interdisciplinary artist, writer and curator who also leads the Multicultural Affairs department at the School of the Art Institute in her role as Assistant Director. Her work, both as an artist and administrator, primarily negotiates race, sexuality, spirituality, politics, and popular culture in the formation of subversive narratives. She has been awarded numerous fellowships and grants, including the Anna Louise Raymond BFA Fellowship,Chicago Artist Coalition’s BOLT Residency, SAIC’s Archibald Motley Grant, and the Propeller Fund. She holds a BA in Sociology and African-American Studies from Yale University and a BFA in Photography and Video from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
La Keisha Leek: What is an Intersectionality Critique and where did the idea to create this at SAIC come from?
Rashayla Marie Brown: An Intersectionality Critique is a safe, open, and engaging environment for discussing art across disciplines, identities, and with students and alumni from several universities and departments. Students are encouraged to share works in progress and consider how cultural topics such as race, class, gender, and politics intersect with each other and are inseparable from art. The term “Intersectionality” is used in tribute to black feminist writers such as KimberlĂ© Crenshaw and Patricia Hill Collins who proposed how various categories of identity interact on multiple and simultaneous levels. By talking with students of differing disciplines and schools that they might never normally interact with, students learn to integrate concepts of inclusion and awareness into their broader educational experience and post-graduate lives.  I designed this program with social practice techniques of community outreach and collaboration to enhance the development of academic success and skills of cultural competency.
For More information contact
Rashayla Marie Brown
Director of Student Affairs for Diversity and Inclusion, SAIC Multicultural Affairs
Interdisciplinary Artist and Writer, RMB Studios 

Monday, April 28, 2014

2014 "Grandmother's Circle" Retreat


Curator Alpha Bruton, Altar "Tribute to Crecy, and Sallie"

The 2nd annual retreat in Auburn California, at the studio of Posey Lowe, has been canceled to the public this year. There will be a gathering by invitation only, and private studio hours planned between May 21-31st. The Honorary Advisory Board will meet to vision the future of the Visual Arts Development Project during this time.

Curator YaYa, Andrea Jennifer Porras, Tribute to Jose Montoya

The International Society of Altar Making will host an installation at a site-specific location in Sacramento, with a marker and altar dedication. 

A screening of the narratives "Grandmother's Circle" collected in 2013 will be viewed at the Posey studio.




Grandmothers Circle the Earth is composed of  Women from all over our Great Mother Earth.  We totally acknowledge, honor, and respect the very, very sacred thread held by  Grandmothers of all Nations, Tribes, and Ethnicity. We celebrate our complete diversity as individuals. We acknowledge ALL our Relations.  And, we joyfully melt into our Heart Space and acknowledge The Oneness of All.

Come join us…

             … in the presence and breath of our Divine Spirit….

                           …which is Love.

Joining together to Create Circles, Gatherings, and Councils; sharing Sacred Creation Stories and Wisdom Teachings around the World.  As Grandmothers; we work together sharing Creation Stories, Water Ceremonies, Water Blessing, and Water Healing. We address Universal topics such as the sacredness and necessity of Water to All.

In utilizing the Sacred Rite of the Womb we Honour each person’s individual Healing of the Generational Wounds of Women, Children, Elders, and Men ~ Unto the Seventh Generation and Beyond.

Grandmothers around the world are gathering in Circle and Council to address the concerns within their communities and globally. If you would like to start a Grandmothers Circle in your area, please contact us with any questions. Grandmothers Circle the Earth has been in existence since 2010, we can offer insight and ways to structure a successful Circle to implement your Vision and Mission.  We can connect you with other Grandmothers near you so that you can share wisdom and experience.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Old Stepney Cleansing Altar

I am putting elements together to drive out negative energy while working here with my elder from found objects around the house and property.

The foundation is a silver serving tray, decorate rocks, shells from the yard, a bamboo tree to catch the energy. The fire is the center, a candle holder I picked up, royal blue, a travel angle, sits in the middle of the shell I found that is the inspiration for the grandmother circle soft sculptured dolls we are making.