Episode #207: In this episode of ART21 “Exclusive,” Kara Walker reflects on her early success and offers advice to the next generation of artists. Walker received widespread attention after being included in a group exhibition at The Drawing Center in New York City in 1994, not long after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. Walker remained in Providence until she “felt ready” to make the move to New York. However, “When I came to the City,” she says, “I felt like my newly forming ego and sense of self was just torn to shreds.” Now a professor in Columbia University’s MFA program, Walker sees the many challenges that young artists face today and encourages them to take responsibility for changing negative conditions in the art world. Walker is shown in New York City installing cut paper silhouettes and framed paintings at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in 2013 and visiting the gallery’s booth at the 2014 Frieze Art Fair, where she is accompanied by her mother.
Kara Walker explores the raw intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in her work, crafting vivid psychological narratives from a contemporary perspective on historical conditions. Over the past two decades, Walker has unleashed the traditionally Victorian medium of the silhouette onto the walls of the gallery, creating immersive installations that envelop the viewer. Walker’s multi-media work—which includes drawing, watercolor, video, and sculpture—often reconsider grotesque caricatures, probing their persistence in popular culture and reclaiming their subjugating power to alternative ends.
Learn more about the artist at:
http://www.art21.org/artists/kara-walker
CREDITS: Producer: Ian Forster. Consulting Producer: Wesley Miller & Nick Ravich. Interviewer: Ian Forster. Camera: Ian Forster, Nick Ravich, Rafael Salazar & Ava Wiland. Sound: Ava Wiland. Editor: Morgan Riles. Artwork Courtesy: Kara Walker & Sikkema Jenkins & Co. Additional Photography Courtesy: Andrea Guermani & Kara Walker. Special Thanks: Scott Briscoe, Cindy Daignault & Frieze Art Fair. Theme Music: Peter Foley.
ART21 “Exclusive” is supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; 21c Museum Hotel, and by individual contributors.
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"There's no diploma in the world that declares you as an artist—it's not like becoming a doctor. You can declare yourself an artist and then figure out how to be an artist." —Kara Walker
In a new episode from the ART21 "Exclusive" series, artist Kara Walker reflects on her early success and offers advice to the next generation of artists, shown again recent work at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. and the 2014 Frieze Art Fair.
#karawalker #art #art21
I like how she said that you start changing the art world by being in it. And if you can't make it in one way, then you try another, and don't think about it as a demotion. I like that. I want to work in comics because that's where my heart is, and yet, I've had others say, "That's a step-down."
I like how she said that you start changing the art world by being in it. And if you can't make it in one way, then you try another, and don't think about it as a demotion. I like that. I want to work in comics because that's where my heart is, and yet, I've had others say, "That's a step-down."
MY GOD, This WOMAN IS AMAZING. UNBELIEVEABLE.
Omg, I have massive debt from a Bachelors in Art…Kara Walker speaks the truth. And the hump I am trying to get over is sustaining myself with art. Do I have to settle for kitschy subjects that are easier to sell? Or make what I want but remain entrenched in debt?
Awesome.
To me, MS. WALKER, is the greatest artist living today.
Such an interesting artist. I've seen a few interviews of her a few months ago.
Her hair is cool – that's about it
what is that roller she's using that
has adhesive on it??
i went to the moma museum in new york, never heard of her until i came across one of her pieces and it took me to a place i had never been before. As a 3rd year illustration student, i really look up to her. she just makes sense.
Anyone else seen nick young?
Her work is nice, but this also shows how random and arbitrarily political gaining success in the art world can be.
Cool
Love the threeD stand up delicate figures with such deep messages.
This is one of the only artists talks that I have ever seen where the artist sounds like they are being genuine and speaking nothing but truth. Hats off to Kara Walker, an incredible artist and genuine person.
Her personality reminds me of Jean Michele
You make paper cutouts and then complain how hard it is to be an artist…??
seriously a very good talk!!!
black
I adore her pieces.