FACES featuring ALICE AIDA AYERS - MIXED MEDIA TEXTILE & ANYTA THOMAS - WIRE MESH SCULPTURE
ALICE AIDA AYERS
My work is textile art, which I describe as collage art quilts. I use a combination of ethnic fabrics, recycled materials, repurposed fabrics, found objects, embroidery and applique. The process is a layering of fabric for the design as an applique’, similar to a regular quilt. Fabric is sewn with embroidery thread to attach the pieces onto a cloth surface. As an artist, I am drawn to the art of creating texture, through layering, found objects and stitching. I adore fabrics and textiles, especially from Africa, and I use these in the pieces I make.
This exhibition is part of a larger body portraying women in my life, they are based on family members, mentors and friends. I am telling stories which are personal to me, for example, of my experiences in Africa. Whether it is the depiction of a figure in Gifts of the Indian Ocean or a young woman performing daily chores, the love and adoration I feel towards each event fills my soul.
The Storyteller and Msemakweli depicts a friend from Little Rock and a friend from
Tanzania. Even though they don’t know each other, they each have my love for them in common.
The piece called Zakiyah represents a sister who I have admired for years, she exudes the radiance of peace and spirituality.
The portrait of the only male in the show is Kenneth Reams. He is one of the brothers who has been on death row for almost two decades for a crime he didn’t commit. As a volunteer in the Arkansas prison system, I use the arts to create awareness where I can. This is what I mean when I call myself an arts activist. We, as artists have the ability to create and share change, healing, and enlightenment. For me it is an honor and a responsibility to do this.
ANYTA THOMAS
MASKS 2023 (UPDATED)
Unlike my past mask series, this series is more heavy hearted. The stone blues represent sadness, death and transitioning from life. I thought about how my undeniably strong, ethnic features were enough to place a target on the back of my ancestors, and unfortunately, still today, are enough to end a life or restrict access to better living conditions. Fiery reds represent the fire and fight in a soul to press on and live, despite hardships. Imperfections are part of our truth. I also thought about how a soul miraculously finds a way to transfer that fire to the heart of future generations. Closed eyes are that of the dead and dreamers. Partially open eyes enable one to connect on another personal level. Crowns of coils and braids are symbols of all natural pride, rejecting the concept of assimilation. Adinkra symbols become a veil of hope and inspiration. Breath is important. I think about ‘first breath’. I think about ‘last breath.’ I thought about the breath of a child and how I worry about the fate of our black youth. Voices that are heard, but are silenced. I gasp for each one that never had the chance to live a full life. I also see breath being transferred from our ancestors into us - the breath of life, light and knowledge. Knowledge of our stories that empowers us. Knowledge of our achievements that motivate us. Knowledge of direct lineage that strengthens us. Knowledge of the continued erasing of our presence and contributions, only increases the fire within me to speak 'louder' creatively.
PROGRAMMING
