This two-part program allows for a deeper consideration of concepts related to Gala Porras-Kim’s exhibition. A workshop and roundtable are guided by Ronald Young, a St. Louis-based artist whose work builds on the tradition of power objects made by African and African Diasporic artists—objects that may contain and/or transmute spirits. In the afternoon workshop phase of the program, selected participants will pursue the sourcing and creation of a power object using found materials. The results of this workshop will serve as subject matter for the larger, public roundtable, which will consider the ways in which artists create, imagine, and conjure the voices of objects.
Selected participants will work with Ron and independently to create an assemblage work that is either a free standing or wall mounted sculpture. Participants are asked to bring found and/or personal materials to create the sculpture. Materials should be things you are okay to modify and be able to fit in a shoebox, staying away from sharp and heavy items.