Judeslist

What if the art world was not just exclusive, but inclusive? What if representation and diversity were not just buzzwords but an actual reality? Today, we sit down with the remarkable Kilolo Luckett, an art historian, curator, and passionate storyteller, who takes us on an enthralling journey from her Mississippi roots to her stellar career in the art world. Kilolo opens up about her experiences in white-dominated spaces, highlighting the glaring lack of representation for black curators, collections managers, and educators. We grapple with the repercussions of this absence, emphasizing the importance of diverse leadership in cultural institutions.

If you've ever wondered about the inspiring stories behind great artists, don’t miss this vibrant discussion. We explore the works of artists such as Alma Thomas, the first African-American woman to have a solo show at the Whitney Museum, and Norman Lewis, who won the Carnegie International Award the same year Emmett Till was lynched. Luckett shares invaluable insights into her own journey as an artist, her artist residency, and the relationships she has cultivated with other artists. She discusses her tireless efforts in providing the resources necessary for artists to thrive and dream, reimagine, and conceptualize their work.

And as if that wasn't enough, Kilolo shares her wisdom on keeping our feet firmly planted on the ground in this digital age. She challenges us to put away our digital devices and embrace traditional practices, offering advice to emerging artists that we could all learn from. We delve into her vision for the future of art, her hopes for change, and her personal definition of love as integrity and self-love. It's an inspiring conversation that celebrates art, diversity and the relentless pursuit of representation.

In this episode, I speak with Lauren Pearce a 34-year-old visual artist from Cleveland Ohio.  Lauren shares her incredible journey as an artist from her financial hardships, exacerbated by her role as a single parent to a child with autism which brought her to moments of emotional and financial vulnerability. The struggle to sell her art intensified these challenges, leading her to question both her artistic value and her role as a provider for her family. 

Lauren also speaks about her commitment to her authentic creative voice even in the face of potential adversity. She highlights the profound impact of art that forges emotional connection as an artist's core responsibility which is storytelling rather than conforming to trends or pursuing purely commercial success. Her perspective challenges conventional norms, asserting that artists play a significant role in shifting paradigms and sparking change through their work.

We also talk about: 

• The challenges of maintaining authenticity while juggling commercial demands. 
• The value of saying "no" and setting healthy boundaries to preserve mental health and artistic integrity. 
• Her collaborative show with her son aimed at raising awareness about having an autistic child
• The significance of incorporating her own healing journey into her art and creating a space for viewers to resonate with her strength and experiences.
• Her intention to create pieces that allow people to feel joyful, at peace, and free from burdens. 

You can connect with Lauren at https://www.instagram.com/laurenmpearce/ and on her website at https://www.ladynoeldesigns.com/

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Mimi Adu-Serwaah a pharmacist who shares her 
journey that led her to become a professional painter. Amidst the challenges of 2020, she turned to painting to deepen her connection with scripture. Mimi transitioned from abstract art to figurative work in 2021, feeling a strong urge to explore new dimensions in her craft. 

Mimi's unique approach involves painting portraits of black women using marbling and hand-painting techniques, symbolizing the interplay between perfection and imperfection.

We also talk about:

• Her signature style, which is a blend of abstraction and portraiture, focuses on black women.
• Finding her artistic path through solitude and self-confidence, not seeking validation.
• The challenges of dealing with creating art where isolation and business aspects intersect.
• The modern-day woman's role, where various experiences and perspectives contribute to a broader understanding of women's lives.
• Her continuous learning, growth, and understanding of both herself and God.
• The importance of not accepting "no" for an answer and producing work of high quality that reflects one's identity and purpose.

You can connect with Mimi at https://www.instagram.com/mimi.as.studio/ 

In this episode, I speak with Teresa Brutcher, a figurative-realist artist based in Spain. Teresa's work employs the use of bold colors and intricate details drawing viewers into a shared emotional journey of human fears and connections. 

Her figurative-realist paintings are showcased in galleries and museums across Spain, Portugal, Germany, and the US, offering a profound exploration of the universal human experience. As a member of Poets and Artists, Teresa Brutcher continues to enrich the art world with her unique perspective. 

We also talk about :

• The lack of formal art education and not finding support from like-minded individuals who shared her artistic vision 
• Her artistic influences, ranging from old masters like Caravaggio and Sorolla to contemporary painters like Pearlstein and Antonio Lopez, highlighting her appreciation for various art languages and approaches.
• Her ongoing series of paintings that reflect the poignant cycle of caregiving and the inevitable passing of time that shows the vulnerability and tenderness within family relationships.
• The importance of open communication, forgiveness, acceptance, and laughter in keeping a relationship healthy and vibrant, as seen in her enduring marriage of 46 years.
• The value of extracting meaning and personal growth from all experiences and how both good and bad situations can teach valuable lessons. 
•  How art serves as a medium to convey the multifaceted aspects of personality, including thoughts and feelings that are not openly share with others.

You can connect with Teresa at https://www.instagram.com/teresabrutcher/ and on her website http://teresabrutcher.com/

In this episode, I speak with Capetown-based artist Swain Hoogervorst as he shares his journey from a graphic designer to becoming a professional artist, highlighting the role of mentors and collaborative studio space in shaping his trajectory.  Swain also speaks about the accessibility of Cape Town's art scene for emerging artists, emphasizing the significance of networking and persistence in navigating the art community's dynamics.

Swain emphasizes that there is no linear path to success and cautions against the misconception of a quick fix. He reflects on the significance of time, effort, and personal navigation in an artist's progress. Swain acknowledges the potential benefits of art school in building networks and mentorships, but also highlights the importance of finding a balance between networking and focusing on one's creative process.

We also speak about: 

• Swain's inspiration to paint as an anchor in life and a necessity for maintaining sanity, and a way to assimilate his lived experiences into art.
• His desire to create incredible, beautiful pictures that evoke a sense of wonder and transcendence.
• Art and Artificial Intelligence 
• Upcoming exhibitions, including shows at Nalon Long Gallery and Everard Reed Cape Town
• Learning to find rest through running, surfing, spending time with friends, and participating in outdoor activities

You can connect with Swain at https://www.instagram.com/swainhoogervorst/

In this episode, I speak with Amstamdam-based Esiri Erheriene-Essi who is a figurative painter with a focus on highlighting history and who shares her interest in collecting and creating an archive through her work as a way of questioning narratives. 

She paints from a wide collection of photographs, predominantly from the 1960s and 70s – sourced online, at flea markets, and from her family archives.

In this episode, we also talk about: 

• Her interest in illustrating how the relationship between history and the present is in a state of constant transformation.
• Her cinematic style of painting 
• Drawing inspiration from archival images as source material for her paintings
• Having something you love to do as a way of staying centered and believing in it even when others do not 
• Learning to try, having fun, and making play essential as an artist

You can connect with Esiri at https://www.instagram.com/esiri.essi/

In this episode, I speak with acclaimed film directors and producers Coodie Simmons and Chike Ozah. The directors share their experience putting together the three-part documentary film that has been in the making for over 20 years on the cultural zeitgeist Kanye West. Their Netflix documentary https://www.netflix.com/gh/title/81426972  details Kanye West’s meteoric to fame and his recent plummet from grace. We talk about how the pair met during Kanye West in their early career and the filmmaking process for Jeen-yuhs. 

We also talk about: 

• Their separate journies into filmmaking 
• Coodie's shot at comedy 
• Coodie starting channel zero
• Chike working together with Coodie & Kanye for their first music video "Through the Wire"
• Coodie's experience meeting Kanye's mom 
• Kanye's drive, fearlessness, and belief in himself
• Learning to be patient with your vision 

You can connect Coodie&Chike at https://www.instagram.com/coodierock/ and https://www.instagram.com/cozah/

In this episode, I speak with self-taught Nigerian artist Barry Yusufu who works with gradated charcoal drawing techniques and boldly colored acrylic paints to create his iconic works that reflect both a deep-rooted Christian faith and an intense desire to elevate the image of African men and women in art. 

Barry cites his work as an intense desire to reflect the modern African as an opportunity to foster an evolution of Africanness. He takes on the challenge of shattering the stereotypes and clichés associated with African imagery through his portraiture.

We also talk about;

• his unconventional path to starting his art career
• his struggle with depression and finding his purpose
• his interest in storytelling and his use of bronze skin to represent royalty 
• learning to use his work to speak on social issues 
• experiencing rejection 

You can connect with Barry at https://www.instagram.com/barryyusufu/