Please join us for an opening reception from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 12, to celebrate:
A Place I Can Go To
Curated by Nekisha Durrett
On view beginning Saturday, 11/5
This selection of works by Art Enables resident artists was curated by celebrated DC artist Nekisha Durrett, bringing together varied examples of the imagination as means of travel. Some drawings and paintings included here share destinations of adventure or comforting retreat, while others depict literal means of transportation: a bus, a hot air balloon, or a pair of bejeweled high heels on the move. Still, other, more fantastical or abstract views elicit emotional responses that remind us—sometimes a “place” you can go to is in your own mind.
Nekisha Durrett is a mixed-media artist who employs the visual language of mass media to bring forward histories that objects, places, and words embody but are not often celebrated. Her expansive practice includes public art, social practice, installation, murals, painting, sculpture and design. Durrett is invested in foregrounding issues of Black life while creating a space where fantasy, imagination, and history converge.
Medusa & Perseus: a Retelling
On view beginning Saturday, 11/12
For this exhibition, Art Enables artists worked in collaboration with DC artist Steven Cushner to illustrate their retelling of one of mythology’s most mistreated women—Medusa—and her would-be slayer—Perseus—trading wrath, misogyny, and violence for love, creativity, and inclusivity. We invite visitors to experience the artists’ plot unfolding as they walk along an illustrated path hung with visual vignettes of the story. In our retelling, Medusa is not punished for violence committed against her. Our heroine is not interested in societal expectations of feminine beauty. Perseus is not a hulking, war-like hero but is instead a petite, gender-fluid fashion designer inspired by Medusa’s strength and individuality. Come for the lack of beheading and stay for Pegasus, diamond swords, and magical tattoos! In Art Enables’ colorful retelling, love wins, and different is beautiful.
Blue Like a Rainbow
On view beginning Saturday, 11/12
“Blue Like a Rainbow” documents Art Enables artists’ exploration of poetry as muse and visiting poets’ response to visual art. Over the course of several months, artists translated images conjured for them by words into drawn and painted visual imagery. At the same time, a handful of guest poets—Raga Ayyagari, Jaime Banks, Veneta Masson—contributed verses inspired by Art Enables artwork. This exhibition marries the two art forms, with poems handwritten on the wall next to accompanying images. Words by famous writers from past centuries are also at play, as well as those written by Art Enables artists, many in a color-themed poetry workshop with poet and professor Naomi Ayala. In this space, Wordsworth’s heart dances with the daffodils, and Mara Clawson illustrates her found poem about sea slugs with words pulled from an old National Geographic. Dennis Quillin’s “Sunflowers” recalls a lost loved one to Veneta Masson, and Jay Bird illustrates how he feels “…blue, like a rainbow, like a bowl of coins” in both words and watercolor.
Participating Art Enables artists: Marrimarra, Jay Bird, Maurice Barnes, Mara Clawson, Debora Green, Michael Haynes, Mike Knox, Toni Lane, Raymond Lewis, Helen Lewis, Joel Martinez, Charles Meissner, Vanessa Monroe, Gary Murrell, Dennis Quillin, Jamila Rahimi, Eileen Schofield, Sarah Swan, Imani Turner
Art Enables opening reception will include complimentary wine and refreshments. Our receptions are family-friendly and all ages are welcome. If you require accommodation during your visit please email us at info@art-enables.org.