OUR WORK
SLANT
SHINE BLACK
BLACK BRILLIANCE
GIVING BACK
2020
Thread, wood, steel, acrylic paint
Commissioned by Skylyne Temescal
Oakland, CA
Slant represents the spectrum of expression. Interaction through movement highlights intersections of varying hues and perspectives based on the interplay of space. Miles of thread represent the individual expression and collective brilliance.
QUESTION?
How do we attempt to reconcile displacement and expansion?
Upon completion of this commission, a question emerged in reflection of our creation. Slant lives within a residential high rise in the heart of Oakland, a city highly impacted by gentrification, with Black residents being disproportionately affected and displaced. The shadow side of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives is often the lack of forethought given to the exploitative nature of rebalancing inequality. We must examine the displacement that results from reactive, performative accountability. We hold that tension as a lesson in how we approach the work we do with integrity.
ANSWER...
SHINE BLACK
2020
Coroplast, glow-in-the-dark acrylic paint, metal
Oakland, CA
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Shine Black was a temporary installation erected as a poignant response to the social unrest following the public murder of George Floyd. This street art installation emerged from an expression of collective rage and despair. It served as a reminder to our community that we are more than the conditions and unjust treatment we are subjected to. Even in our ancestral grief, we are not required to respond in kind and can be uplifted by our shared experience. The glow-in-the-dark paint represented our ability to shine through the darkness.
QUESTION?
How do we empower ourselves when attempts at healing are seen as threatening and met with interference?
The vandalism of this installation proved the internal conflict we are all forced to navigate when the Black experience is centered. The "L" was stolen, leaving the message "Shine Back." This act of resistance in response to an uplifting message is a direct reflection of the perpetuation of violence that hinders the process of healing within a marginalized community.
ANSWER...
2018
MDF, acrylic paint, washi tape, styrofoam, wood
Oakland, CA
Black Brilliance was a gift to the Oakland First Friday's crowd. We recognized a lack of art installations created specifically for this long-standing festival. Interaction with the art was free and served to inspire a sense of pride, joy and unity.
QUESTION?
What naturally emerges when a gift is given with no strings attached?
As we observed the initial glances at this bold art installation, we noticed a shared skepticism and hesitance due to an assumption that payment was required to engage with it. Although there was a sign posted that clearly stated it was free, disbelief still kept some from fully approaching. Once we made it clear this was a gift, participation quickly increased and spread across the entire festival by word of mouth. We witnessed strangers interacting as if they were family, voluntarily taking photos for one another, patiently waiting in long lines, and joyfully encouraging each other in a shared experience of unity. They took ownership of the art. Words can't express how powerful this installation was for us and the participants.
ANSWER...
GIVING BACK
Art to give back to the community.
Playground Benches - Buena Vista Elementary
Walnut Creek, CA
Mural - Alba Studios
Oakland, CA
Mobile Thread Art Installation - Black Joy Parade
Oakland, CA
