New works from Amanda Williams and Krista Franklin
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This exhibit presents new works from two contemporary artists who have used their clandestine dream world connection, in which hip-hop artist Jay-Z has made dual appearances, to explore the fantastical nature of excess. Using sculpture, mixed media, oil paints, collage and text, their shared consciousness makes visual the illusory foundations of American culture. As Black women, simultaneously indispensable and expendable within this framework, the artists are uniquely positioned to elucidate the discussion.
Dreams is about the disfigurement of value in a system fueled by fantasy (and the yearning that is born of it). From the personal narrative to the unapologetic lap of Lil’ Kim, an arc forms to consider the easy fluidity between our love for people and our love of things. Observing the comfort and absurdity of familial relationships, religion, hip-hop luxuries, and redundant materiality, we are rocked into a fitful reverie. Artworks not only highlight the confusion of over-stimulation but also reflect the collective underpinnings within all of us that allow it to flourish.
Exhibiting Artists: Amanda Williams, Krista Franklin
Curated by: Camille Morgan
Dreams in Jay-Z Minor is an exhibition of works created by Chicago-based artists Amanda Williams and Krista Franklin. Inspired by a series of recurring dreams that both artists were experiencing, the exhibition explores notions around dream states, hyper-reality, upward mobility, hopes and aspirations of African Diasporic peoples, black opulence, black excellence, and excess. Using a variety of mediums, from paintings, handmade paper, print, altered books, and college, Dreams in Jay-Z Minor is a visual metaphorical play of installation, 2D, and 3D works.