CrossingBorders:
CrossingBorders (We are all lmmigrants)
What Borders are you willing to cross?
An exhibition of works by members of Global Art Project, an international multimedia collaborative collective with over 90 members from 19 different countries.
Westbeth Gallery NYC"
October 25-Nov 1O, 20204
Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery Charlotte, NC
Nov 16,2024 - Jan 4,2025"
Exhibition concept: The Borders are wide, various, concrete and philosophical," offering an illusion of safety and definitive organization of reality ignoring the shifts in need and agendas at play at any given time on the international stage and the internal stage.
Borders as a theme not defined, but implied. The obvious way to look at Borders is as it relates to geographic demarcation and socio-political implications, the artists in this exhibition take it one step further; Borders that confound and limit us personally; Borders to be psychologically challenged, broken through and/or accepted.
Risk is the enemy of Fear. Love is the enemy of Hate. Change is the enemy of "Complacency. "The artists in this exhibition are familiar with Borders and how it manifests in their lives as creative human beings. Emphasis must be given to the importance and timeliness of this exhibition as an far frustration and anxiety as artists attempt to illustrate, enact and represent both change and consciousness raising on a world-wide scale as well as on a personal level in a time when systems are seemingly breaking down in regard to personal expression and freedom.
As a subset to CrossingBorders : "We Are All lmmigrants" asks the question, "Where can we find a safe haven?".
With passions around immigration looming large in the world today, this exhibition will touch on the many ways artists create works that deal with this question." "From the lack of compassion to international and jurisdictional walls being built, the artists involved in "We are All lmmigrants" dive deep into depictions of ethnocentric responses and unreasonable blockages to the ever present desperation of immigrants trying to find a home/country where they can feel safe when they do not feel safe in their own.
Curated by Carl Heyward and Akiko Suzuki
Westbeth
with
Mikel Frank and Joanne Rogers
Nine Eighteen Nine Gallery
CrossingBorders: "The Borders are wide, various, concrete and philosophical," offering an illusion of safety and definitive organization of reality ignoring the shifts in need and agendas at play "at any given time on the international stage and the interna! stage. Borders as a theme not defined,but implied." "The obvious way to look at Borders is as it relates to geographic dema rcation and socio-political implications, the artists" "in this exhibition take it one step further; Borders that confound and limit us personally; Borders to be psychologically challenged, broken through and/or accepted." Risk is the enemy of Fear. Lave is the enemy of Hate. Change is the enemy of Complacency. The artists in this exhibition are familiar with Borders and how it manifests in their lives as creative human beings. Emphasis must be given to "the importance and timeliness of this exhibition as an outlet for frustration and anxiety as artists attempt to illustrate, enact and represent both change and consciousness raising on a world-wide scale as well as on a personal level in a time when systems are seemingly breaking down in regard to" personal expression and freedom.
Carl Heyward
Founding Member
GLOBAL ART PROJECT USA
Mikel Frank - Curator's Statement
This exhibition titled "Crossing Borders: We Are All Immigrants" is an exhibition that explores diverse interpretations and narratives from a global perspective. It will highlight how artists interpret the concept of crossing borders, intellectually, emotionally, politically, and creatively. Of course, the most common interpretation of crossing borders, moving from or escaping from one country to another, is relevant here, but the concept of cultural identities and artist's interpretations is also crucial. In selecting works for this exhibition, the curators looked for pieces that challenged conventional views of boundaries that obscure free expression. Some works may be considered revolutionary and challenging, while others offer visually unique perspectives, which invite viewers to reflect on their own understanding of what crossing borders means. There are many borders to cross in an artists practice. The intention of some, when interpreting the concept of crossing borders, is not necessarily socio-political, but rather inspirational. Artists have a way of working. Process and style can be seen as the foundation of an artist's practice. For an artist to challenge their own established way of constructing a work can be a very difficult and challenging experience. The question that we ask ourselves and that has become the defining question of the show is this: "What Borders are YOU willing to Cross?"
It is safe to say that crossing borders and immigration have been a hot topic throughout the world today. Global Art Project (GAP), an international multi-media collaborative collective with 90 artists representing 19 countries, and its leader Carl Heyward, are important elements of this exhibition. As one of the curators, Mr. Heyward is tireless in his efforts to cross-reference and collaborate with many talented people. With the help of his partner, Akiko Suzuki, Heyward has reached out to the GAP membership asking them to offer up their best interpretation of the concept of Crossing Borders: We Are All Immigrants. Along with our fourth curator, Joanne Rogers, owner/operator of Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery in Charlotte, we have recognized the importance of this topic and have asked each artist to supply a few sentences explaining what the concept means to them. These heartfelt descriptions will be displayed on labels at both venues next to the art. We are confident that this exhibition will encourage viewers to think about the dynamic interplay between traditional concepts of border crossings as well as artist's interpretations of crossing personal boundaries as they challenge their practice. We, as curators of this important show, appreciate these artists and hope that the artwork representing them inspires a deeper appreciation for the diverse visions and narratives that make up our global community.
It is safe to say that crossing borders and immigration have been a hot topic throughout the world today. Global Art Project (GAP), an international multi-media collaborative collective with 90 artists representing 19 countries, and its leader Carl Heyward, are important elements of this exhibition. As one of the curators, Mr. Heyward is tireless in his efforts to cross-reference and collaborate with many talented people. With the help of his partner, Akiko Suzuki, Heyward has reached out to the GAP membership asking them to offer up their best interpretation of the concept of Crossing Borders: We Are All Immigrants. Along with our fourth curator, Joanne Rogers, owner/operator of Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery in Charlotte, we have recognized the importance of this topic and have asked each artist to supply a few sentences explaining what the concept means to them. These heartfelt descriptions will be displayed on labels at both venues next to the art. We are confident that this exhibition will encourage viewers to think about the dynamic interplay between traditional concepts of border crossings as well as artist's interpretations of crossing personal boundaries as they challenge their practice. We, as curators of this important show, appreciate these artists and hope that the artwork representing them inspires a deeper appreciation for the diverse visions and narratives that make up our global community.
Mikel Frank
Artist and curator of CrossingBorders: We Are All Immigrants
