Brandon Joshua Majano
Doris Cacoilo
Art 263 - Activist, Interlop & Pranksters
October 24, 2023
Kimberly Drew's book, "This is What I Know About Art,"takes readers on an extraordinary journey, tracing her evolution from university stud ent to a prominent figure in the worlds of art and activism. It unravels the origins and profound significance of her experiences in these realms. Her story commences with the realization that her initial career path did not align with the world of art. However, her quest for diverse experiences led her to a profound revelation: her true calling resided in the rich tapestry of the art world. This journey transformed her into a respected luminary in the domains of activism, writing, and curation. A pivotal moment materialized when she secured a coveted paid internship at the renowned Studio Museum in Harlem, setting her on a path of training and specialization in art history.
Yet, her educational trajectory encountered a significant shift when Kimberly decided to change her major. The academic landscape was marred by a glaring absence of Black artists in her university courses, a stark omission that became a driving force for her advocacy. In response, she embarked on a noble endeavor—creating her blog, a dedicated platform aimed at sharing her profound knowledge and appreciation of Black Art with the world. q Two quotes from Kimberly Drew's writing deeply resonate. The first encapsulates the courage to embrace personal growth opportunities despite fear and self-doubt. The second addresses the challenge of defining personal success in a world dominated by comparisons with celebrities and social media influencers. It underscores the fundamental lesson that every achievement, regardless of scale, carries the weight of success, a testament to the unique journey of its achiever.
The role of a curator, an arbiter of art, can be multifaceted and hinges on intentions, actions, and impact in the realm of art. The extent to which a curator can be regarded as an activist depends on these factors. Each artist submitting their work for an exhibition is a unique voice, bringing a distinct perspective of art. Some seek to drive change through creative expressions, while others approach art with distinct methodologies. Kimberly, for example, uses social media to engage with her art, while students, in their exhibitions, deploy a vast array of tools and techniques to breathe life into their visions.
Kimberly Drew's memoir underscores the enduring, symbiotic relationship between art and protest. Her career transformation began when she spearheaded the founding of Black Contemporary Art. This endeavor cast a glaring spotlight on multifaceted challenges, particularly those related to finances. Her journey was marked by the relentless pursuit of knowledge, often compared with the harsh reality of financial constraints. She boldly ventured into the domain of education, taking on loans to fund her quest for learning while dedicating herself to the hard grind of supporting her aspirations. This arduous path led her to initiate a blog, a platform devoted to enlightening and educating people about the contributions of underrepresented Black artists, particularly in academic settings where white male artists predominantly dominated the discourse.
Within her narrative, she tackled the concept of white guilt head-on, recognizing the privilege associated with her race and fearlessly confronting the social ramifications of this unearned privilege. Her ceaseless determination was channeled toward dismantling this notion, steering her endeavors toward cultivating a more equitable and inclusive art world. Central to this mission was the cultivation of pride in African American art and the celebration of its rich heritage. One of the most striking facets of Kimberly Drew's journey is her candid discussion of anger, both personal struggles and the broader societal challenges. She harnessed this powerful emotion as a driving force for progress. It became the impetus for her activism and protest initiatives, emphasizing that "art and protest will forever be bound together."
Kimberly Drew's journey stands as a testament to the enduring power of art and the tireless efforts of those who strive to reshape the world through their unwavering commitment to justice and equality. In every line of her story, readers discover an inspiring narrative of courage, determination, and resilience, underpinned by the unshakable belief that art and protest are inseparable forces for societal transformation.
Vanessa Crus
(i forgot the name)
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