Many of you have probably had this experience... you're filling out an application with your personal information and then you come across the dreaded (at least for me) section where you're asked to fill in your "background" or racial identity. It used to be a dreadful experience for me because until I reached my late teens/early 20s, I could never simply check off Black/African American, Latino/Hispanic (non-white), Asian or White/Caucasian, etc...
And then there appeared the seemingly all-encompassing "Other" check box. Yes! Finally I had a box for me - but what the f*ck did "Other" really mean? To answer the question (for those handling my applications), I checked this box and then took the liberty of writing in on the side: half Panamanian and half Croatian. To this day, I fill out all my applications the same way and will continue to do so until the identity boxes offer the choices of human vs. cyborg! LOL
Using fine art to address unresolved social issues surrounding identity, the Other, Other... High Visibility art show was curated by Wanda Raimundi-Ortiz and features photography work by En Foco's Nicole Frocheur, Xaviera Simmons (video), among other artists. The show will be complemented by a panel discussion (on February 5th) that "will focus on the culture, class, access as well as other social factors that may unintentionally preclude support for artists, representing communities of color."
An opening will be held on Thursday, January 29, 2009 - RSVP via the Facebook invitation.
Nathan Cummings Foundation Gallery, located on the 14th floor of 475 Tenth Avenue, New York, NY. Other, Other…High Visibility is funded by The Nathan Cummings Foundation. Viewing is made by appointment ONLY by calling 646-485-1284.Labels: african american, asian, community, diversity, group show, hispanic, international, latino, multicultural, women photographers
