Podcast Summary: "Nanette Carter Returns Home to Montclair With New Solo Exhibition"

All Of It is a cultural exploration show by WNYC, hosted by Alison Stewart. In the episode released on May 28, 2025, Alison interviews renowned artist Nanette Carter about her latest solo exhibition, "A Question of Balance," at the Montclair Art Museum. This detailed summary captures the essence of their conversation, highlighting Nanette's artistic journey, influences, creative processes, and insights into her new exhibition.

Introduction to Nanette Carter and Her Exhibition

The episode opens with an inspiring quote from Nanette Carter displayed at the Montclair Art Museum: "Life is a collage of experiences. We are all works of art." (00:30). This sentiment sets the tone for the conversation, underscoring the thematic essence of Carter's exhibition titled "A Question of Balance."

Alison Stewart introduces the exhibition, noting that it showcases 46 of Carter's works spanning over five decades, from her early piece "Eggs and Basket" (1971) to the monumental "Afrocentennials. That's 8 by 33ft. Sentinels" (2024) (01:07). The exhibition not only highlights her artistic evolution but also pays homage to her heritage, featuring a 2012 magazine cover of her father, Matthew G. Carter—the first black mayor of Montclair and a civil rights leader.

Early Life and Artistic Influences

Nanette Carter shares insights into her early fascination with the arts, influenced heavily by her mother, a dancer and costume designer. "When I was three or four years old, I was fascinated by all the beautiful fabrics and stuff," Carter recalls (01:48). This early exposure ignited her passion for creativity, initially considering careers in architecture and interior design before committing to art.

In her twenties, Carter meets Alvin Loving, Detroit’s first African American artist to exhibit at the Whitney in 1969. "He was fabulous, just generous, wonderful... he helped me in so many ways," she states (02:39). Loving's mentorship and innovative work significantly impacted Carter's artistic direction, fostering her move towards abstract art.

Montclair: A Nurturing Ground for Creativity

Growing up in Montclair played a pivotal role in Carter's development as an artist. "Montclair is filled with artists. We have actors, a lot of people who work in New York City who live here," she explains (03:24). The Montclair Art Museum was integral to her upbringing, where she attended art classes extensively during her school years.

Carter reminisces about the high-quality art education she received, emphasizing the hands-on experience with various mediums and the mature critique sessions that were unusual for high school (04:00). This environment fostered her serious commitment to art, alongside peers like Meredith Gaines, a notable sculptor.

Teaching Career and Artistic Breakthrough

Carter attributes her parents, especially her mother, as the first to recognize and support her as an artist. "They would put my art up and frame it. My father enjoyed looking at art with me," she shares (05:36). This familial support was crucial during a time when being a black female artist was not widely recognized.

After earning her MFA from Pratt Institute, Carter began teaching printmaking and drawing at the Dwight Englewood School in New Jersey. Teaching allowed her to sustain herself while continuing to develop her art. Her first significant breakthrough came in 1981 when she secured representation with a Detroit gallery, exhibiting alongside renowned artists like Jack Whitten and Howardina Pindell (08:16). This exposure propelled her career, allowing her to live off her art until she returned to teaching part-time at Pratt in the 2000s to reconnect with her creative studio work.

Creative Process and Mediums

Carter delves into her creative process, particularly her use of collage and large-scale works. She explains that she typically works on multiple pieces simultaneously, allowing each to inform and influence the others (13:49). This method helps her navigate creative blocks and maintain a dynamic workflow.

A significant innovation in her practice is the use of Mylar, a durable, transparent plastic. "Mylar is tough stuff. Unlike paper, it doesn't tear, and unlike canvas, it's taut," Carter describes (17:37). She transitioned to Mylar in the mid-90s, finding it ideal for her abstract and architectural-inspired works. Her fascination with Mylar began after attending a Frank Lloyd Wright exhibition at the Cooper Hewitt Museum, where she admired the soft quality of lines on Mylar (17:47).

Working with Mylar allows Carter to create expansive, layered pieces that mimic architectural forms and abstract landscapes. She emphasizes the material's archival properties, ensuring the longevity and preservation of her work (20:58).

Exhibition Highlights: "A Question of Balance"

Carter's current exhibition, "A Question of Balance," is a culmination of her decades-long exploration of form, abstraction, and cultural identity. The exhibition features large-scale "Afrocentinels," towering figures designed to protect black and brown communities globally. "These are sentinels like no other... Afro futuristic forms that I've created," she explains (10:06).

The installation process is meticulous, with Carter utilizing Pratt Institute's gallery spaces to assemble and position her massive works. "The wall becomes your format. It becomes your canvas or your piece of paper," she says (21:02). This approach transforms the exhibition space into an immersive environment, allowing viewers to engage with the protective and abstract elements of her sentinels.

Concluding Thoughts

The conversation concludes with Carter expressing her enthusiasm for the exhibition and gratitude for the opportunity to share her work with the Montclair community. "I love to live with the work before it goes out. Even though I think it's finished, I still want to live with it just to make sure that I'm pleased with what I have," she reflects (12:02).

Alison Stewart thanks Nanette Carter for her time, and Carter reiterates her appreciation for being part of the WNYC community (22:20).

Key Quotes:

• "Life is a collage of experiences. We are all works of art." — Nanette Carter (00:30)
• "Al Loving was fabulous, just generous, wonderful... he helped me in so many ways." — Nanette Carter (02:39)
• "Mylar is tough stuff. Unlike paper, it doesn't tear, and unlike canvas, it's taut." — Nanette Carter (17:37)
• "These are sentinels like no other... Afro futuristic forms that I've created." — Nanette Carter (10:06)
• "The wall becomes your format. It becomes your canvas or your piece of paper." — Nanette Carter (21:02)

Exhibition Details:

• Title: Nanette Carter, A Question of Balance
• Location: Montclair Art Museum
• Duration: Through July 6th, 2025

Connect with Nanette Carter:

For more insights and visuals from Nanette Carter's work featured in the exhibition, listeners are encouraged to visit WNYC's Instagram @wnyc and explore the show's Instagram stories.

This episode of All Of It offers an in-depth look into Nanette Carter's artistic legacy, her unwavering commitment to her craft, and her significant contributions to the cultural tapestry of Montclair and beyond. Through heartfelt dialogue and vivid descriptions, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Carter's work and the profound messages embedded within her art.