Podcast Summary: All Of It – Episode: 'Open Call: Portals' Spotlights Up and Coming NYC Artists

Introduction

In this engaging episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart delves into the vibrant world of emerging artists through the Shed's latest Open Call program. Titled "Portals," the free exhibition showcases innovative works from 17 selected artists and collectives, out of approximately 1,000 submissions. Set to run until August 24th at the Shed, the program not only highlights diverse artistic talents from New York City but also underscores the importance of supporting early career artists through accessible and transparent platforms.

The Mission Behind the Shed's Open Call Program

Alison Stewart opens the discussion by introducing Deja Ballard, Associate Curator of Visual Art and Civic Programs, and Darren Biggert, Director of Civic Programs. She inquires about the mission and inception of the Open Call program.

Darren Biggert explains, “[00:59] Open Call actually started before the building opened. It was really important to our artistic director and executive team to platform early career artists.” He emphasizes the program’s commitment to a democratized selection process, fostering transparency, and leveraging collective wisdom to discover and support artists who may not yet have had major solo shows or gallery representation.

Deja Ballard adds clarity on the term “early career,” noting, “[02:25] Early career for us means that they haven't had any major solo shows, working with any museums, any sort of gallery representation.” She highlights the diversity in age and background among the selected artists, reflecting the varied pathways to establishing an artistic career in New York City.

Selection Process and Community Involvement

Alison points out the extensive review process, mentioning that over 70 individuals assisted in evaluating the 1,000 applications. Deja Ballard elaborates on the importance of involving a wide network of arts and culture professionals: “[03:17] We've worked with about 70 different arts and culture professionals across every industry, every medium you can think of, so that each application gets a discipline-specific reviewer and also gets two other reviewers who are not discipline-specific.”

This multifaceted review strategy ensures that interdisciplinary works receive appropriate consideration, acknowledging the blend of mediums and the evolving nature of contemporary art.

Spotlight on 'Portals' Exhibition

The core of the episode revolves around the "Portals" exhibition. Alison asks Darren Biggert about the significance of the title, to which Deja Ballard responds, “[05:12] Portals becomes a third space for all these artists in the exhibition to sort of work through these themes of migration, colonialism, spirituality, look at power dynamics, looks at place of imagining, looking back at past ancestral histories.” The exhibition serves as a connective space that binds the various narratives and cultural backgrounds of the participating artists, emphasizing shared human experiences and historical contexts.

Featured Artworks and Artists

1. The Door of No Return by Ghislaine Rodriguez and Luis Vasquez Laroche

   Deja describes this poignant piece: “[05:57] It is an architectural ruin of the Door of no Return from the Elmina slave castle in Ghana. It symbolizes the last site in Africa before the transatlantic slave trade.” The artwork serves as both a portal into the exhibition and a carrier of historical memory, transforming the doorway into an altar for the sea goddess Yemaya, representing the enduring legacy of African traditions through generations.

2. Sticky Sins by Mel Corchado

   Alison highlights an intriguing installation, prompting Deja to explain, “[08:43] Sticky Sins is a runway of sugar garments made completely out of sugar. It is melting, it is sticky, it smells sweet.” This piece deteriorates over time, symbolizing the unsustainable practices in the fashion industry and critiquing labor exploitation within both the sugar and garment sectors. The visceral caramelized aesthetic underscores the transient nature of beauty and sustainability.

3. Hair Paintings by Jarrett Kay

   Darren Biggert elaborates on Jarrett Kay’s unique approach: “[10:30] Jarrett is paying homage to their grandmother by transforming the traditional Alphabet into significant phrases associated with their upbringing, complemented by gestures.” These embodied paintings create an archive of visual language, extending communication beyond the written word and honoring cultural heritage through performance and tactile expression.

4. Ceramic Sculptures by Ayoung Yoo and Nicholas Oh

   Deja describes a captivating installation: “[11:58] A circular enclosure of 12 life-size ceramic sculptures, glazed in traditional Korean celadon, representing the eastern zodiac as spiritual ancestral protectors.” Accompanied by dual video works depicting the Korean DMZ and the US-Mexico border, the piece juxtaposes natural sounds against politically charged landscapes, highlighting global interconnectedness and ancestral lineage.

5. Neo Mayan Pyramid by Victor Quinones

   Reflecting quintessential New York influence, the sculpture stands as a 22-foot-tall homage to immigrant street vendors: “[13:40] A Neo Mayan pyramid made from ice coolers, adorned with murals and altars, plays music through embedded speakers.” This public art piece embodies the hustle and cultural mosaic of New York City, inviting viewers to contemplate both familiarity and critical commentary on urban life.

Global Influences and New York’s Cultural Mosaic

Alison asks about the global influences present in the exhibition. Darren Biggert affirms, “[14:32] These influences are throughout because New York City is a collection of people from other places.” The diverse backgrounds of the artists bring a rich tapestry of cultural narratives, from Chinese and Mexican to Canadian influences, seamlessly integrating into the local art scene. Deja adds, “[14:25] The offertories on the front side of Victor Quinones' sculpture represent many different cultural identities and experiences,” reinforcing the exhibition’s global yet locally grounded essence.

Support and Development for Artists

Discussing the support mechanisms provided to artists, Darren Biggert states, “[07:12] We offer financial support, cohort-wide learning sessions, and mentorship programs.” The Open Call program focuses on holistic artist development, encompassing marketing, fundraising, accessibility, and network expansion. This sustained support ensures that artists not only present their work but also build a robust foundation for future endeavors.

Upcoming Events and Public Programs

As the exhibition progresses, Deja Ballard shares insights into upcoming events designed to deepen audience engagement: “[15:13] We have performances, panels, a clothing swap by Mel Corchado focusing on sustainability, and a foraging expedition exploring plants and plant medicine.” These programs aim to provide audiences with a deeper understanding of the artists’ practices and the thematic underpinnings of their work, fostering a more interactive and immersive cultural experience.

Conclusion

Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by reiterating the significance of the "Portals" exhibition, encouraging listeners to visit the Shed and experience the diverse artistic expressions firsthand. The episode underscores the importance of community-driven initiatives in nurturing emerging talents and enriching the cultural landscape of New York City.

Notable Quotes

• Darren Biggert [01:06]: “It's a really democratized selection process. So I think baked into that is the ethos of transparency and collective wisdom.”

• Deja Ballard [05:12]: “Portals becomes a third space for all these artists in the exhibition to sort of work through these themes of migration, colonialism, spirituality…”

• Darren Biggert [07:12]: “We have cohort-wide learning sessions. Our goal is really for every artist that's part of Open Call to both deepen their own personal practices and expand their networks.”

• Deja Ballard [08:43]: “Sticky Sins is a runway of sugar garments made completely out of sugar...”

• Jarrett Kay [10:30]: “Communication as beyond the written word into something that can be embodied as they honor that relationship and their heritage.”

• Deja Ballard [11:58]: “A circular enclosure of 12 life-size ceramic sculptures… representing the eastern zodiac, which is meant to be like a spiritual ancestral protector.”

• Deja Ballard [13:40]: “Our sculpture… a 22-foot-tall Neo Mayan pyramid made entirely out of ice coolers… pays homage to immigrant street vendors.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of All Of It brilliantly encapsulates the essence of contemporary art within New York City, highlighting how cultural diversity and supportive infrastructures like the Shed's Open Call can elevate emerging artists. Through "Portals," listeners gain insight into the profound narratives and innovative practices that shape the city's dynamic cultural landscape.