juxtaposition ARTs
Travel log: new york 2016
tABLE OF CONTENTS Juxtaposition Arts’ Mission Overview of the NYC Trip “Why New York?” 2016 Apprentices The 2016 Itinerary: Places Visited Apprentice Reflections
Juxtaposition arts’ MISSION Juxtaposition Arts develops community by engaging and employing young urban artists in hands-on education initiatives that create pathways to self-sufficency while actualizing creative power. At Juxtaposition Arts we strive to respect and understand the contributions of those who have come before us.
This magazine chronicles the places visited throughout New York City and Philadelphia on the 2016 Juxtaposition Arts Research Trip. The magazine includes photos taken by JXTA’s very own apprentices, a list of the places visited on the trip, reflections by each apprentice about their experience, short apprentice biographies, and information about the purpose of the New York Research Trip and how this investment is crucial in staying true to JXTA’s mission.
overview of the nyc Research trip The third annual JXTA New York City Research Trip took place from April 27th to May 1st 2016. The visit is a 5-day trip in NYC for apprentices to both explore the city and do research the JXTALabs and for themselves. The trip is part of JXTA’s Pathways to College and Careers (PaCC) program, which supports apprentices in preparing for and entering college and career-oriented jobs. In order to participate, apprentices must have consistently attended programming at JXTA for at least two years and be at least 18 years of age. Participants applied and were selected based on their research proposal and merit. As part of the learning experience of the trip, JXTA staff lightly chaperoned in order for apprentices to be able to explore the city. Apprentices had to be prepared to navigate the city on their own without always relying on the help of adults. For example, apprentices had to get from the airport to the hostel on their own or in groups. JXTA funded participating apprentices’ housing and food while each apprentice paid for all of his or her transportation during the trip, including subway, bus, and airfare.
This is a two year fellowship. Each year, apprentices who went the year before are invited to go again, and new apprentices are accepted for participation. Apprentices who went the previous year must submit another application. In order to participate, apprentices must have a clear idea of what their research would look like. Lab Leads work with participating apprentices to develop a research plan, including what they want to know and places they want to visit. This year, apprentices presented their findings to other apprentices and staff during our May 2016 PaCC Jam Session.
In Red Hook, Brooklyn
“why New York?� We have been taking JXTA apprentices to New York City for several years now. Travel is an important way to better understand yourself. Purposeful travel--travel with a cohort of people who are together in a place to ask questions and explore with a particular lens--helps you see your home and understand your discipline and practice in a new way. Travel is educating and broadening. New York City is a mecca for artists and designers, a place with incredible access to inspiration, from the subways and sidewalks, to the art galleries and design firms, to the parks and shops. The city has fed DeAnna (JXTA CEO) and me and our peers: the subway culture, the flavor, the racial and ethnic diversity, the risk-taking sensibility. NYC offers an education to everyone who comes. It is also the birthplace of the hip hop culture, the tenets of which JXTA grew out of and is still embedded in. A good number of the apprentices who go on the trip each year have never traveled outside of the Twin Cities before. We hope they come on the trip twice, the first time to begin to build a relationship with the city, and the second time to go deeper, see more, and help those who are there for the first time. We don’t chaperone them the whole time: it is important that they have time to explore and
do what they are interested in, without the gaze of an adult. They need to bring a level of responsibility to use their time well and a desire to find things that they want to see and experience. We have a number of relationships in New York, and it is important for the young people to have opportunities to meet and talk with artists and designers who are working at a world class level. These experiences help our apprentices look at their work and their goals in a bigger context. There are other places that we want JXTA apprentices to see and experience, but for young artists and designers, New York is an important rite of passage. - Roger Cummings, JXTA Chief Cultural Producer
Meet the 2016 jxta
Namir Fearce
Jahliah Holloman
Contemporary Art and Tactical Trip Highlight: 125th Street Strip
Contemporary Art Trip Highlight: DreamYard
new york Apprentices
Ala ja Harris
Chango Cummings
Environmental Design Trip Highlight: The High Line
Environmental Design and Tactical Trip Highlight: Tats Cru & DreamYard
Canaan Ray Strong Contemporary Art and Tactical Trip Highlight: Jamel Shabazz
Tenzin Jhangcup Evirornmental Design Trip Highlight: Feeling at home in NYC
Rochelle Lund
Cameron Downey
Contemporary Art and Tactical Trip Highlight: Touring Jamel Shabazz’s neighborhood
Tactical and Public Art Trip Highlight: Fashion Institute of Technology
Amairani Jonopa
Natalie Bur
Tactical and Graphics Trip Highlight: Fashion Institute of Technology Museum
Textile Trip Highlight: Fabric Museum and Workshop
The 2016 Itinerary: Places Visited New York City: Columbia University - Departments of Architecture & Urban Planning DreamYard Art Center Sylvia’s in Harlem Center for Urban Pedagogy Lunch with Dread Scott Orginal Champions of Design The Point Community Development Corporation The High Line Fashion Institute of Technology Parsons New School Museum for Art and Architecture Lower Eastside Little Italy Fort Greene Mnuchin Gallery Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania - Art Department and Campus Fabric Workshop Museum
Lunch with Jamel Shabazz Brooklyn, NY Photographed by: Rochelle Lund
DreamYard Studio Bronx, NY Photographed by: Rochelle Lund
APPRENTICE reflections After the trip concluded, apprentices were asked to reflect in a few paragraphs some highlights of the trip. They also included images that related to their reflections as well as their favorite memories in New York City and Phildephia.
cameron downey Personally, the most impactful of the many people/places we saw would be our time with Jamel Shabazz. Although we got the chance to spend a lot of time with him over the duration of his residency two years ago, he never fails to bring fresh, genuine energy. It was especially different this time since we were able to witness the very cornerstones of his upbringing and the places and things that made him who he is. Although this isn’t something he explicitly said, I couldn’t help but take note of the fact that he kept bringing up that he’s growing and healing. That in itself for me was something worthy to note: the fact that as a “grown” adult he’s proud and accepting of the fact that to be happy and to heal from trauma you have to accept that there’s no “finish line” or end-point to our evolutions. I like that this philosophy can, and most likely should, apply to our work and our art. In other words, our growth is never really completed, just occasionally accepted. The stories he told as background to his photographs in his book also proved to be a great lesson. For anyone who thinks about photography as a possible career choice, listening to Jamel talk about his own work should be the first lesson taken. His connection to and diligence in the details in his photography are inspiring, to say the least. He teaches a pivotal lesson in the subject of street art: it should be intimate. It’s not just catching a group of fly kids and asking for their picture, then leaving. It’s taking the opportunity in asking for someone’s picture to make an exchange. Maybe the exchange includes a compliment on their look, or maybe it takes asking a few questions about the person you’re photographing. The underlying point is that you probably owe the person you’re photographing, especially if it be in a community that holds trauma, a tiny piece of healing attached to the split-second clicking sound. At the same time, this attachment of affirmation shouldn’t just be present in photography. I feel like it’s applicable to everyday life, community engagement, community organizing, and even the driest of business engagements.
Chango Cummings The first official day of the New York trip started with us going to Columbia University for a tour of the architecture school. Being a prospective architect, this moment was personally significant. The studio’s projects and concepts were all very inspiring for my craft. One project was describing a new way for building sustainability in Miami. Due to that fact that the ocean water is on the rise, these students had to think of a new way to build. One student came up with the idea of using the military grade inflatable pads used to float giant gas tanks. This concept of reallocating existing materials in order to fix a current issue is something that stuck out to me. Being in the field of environmental design I always strive to use this concept. We also received a presentation on a new commuter ferry on the Hudson. The ferry aimed to make a more efficient way into NYC as well as encourage people to drive less to reduce commuter traffic. On a more a more personal level, our trip to DreamYard was something that I will never forget. The energy, morals, and campus inspired me on another level. It was almost like the JXTA of NYC but different at the same time. Seeing a place with so much going on in the realm of art is unreal. Being someone who has been around JXTA since the beginning, it kind of gives me a insight to what the future of JXTA can be. The Prince tribute concert in Harlem was one of the most surreal experiences. Just walking down the street in a city 1000 miles from my home and seeing Prince’s face plastered all around the street gave me so much life. The turnout was in the hundreds in a place where Prince was never even affiliated with. The crowd was so genuine and the ma jority of people were African American, something you’d never see in Minneapolis. It showed me that no matter where you come from and what you do, you can have a significant impact on places all across the world through your art forms.
Columbia University Manhattan, NY Photographed by: Rochelle Lund
Mai Jonapa During a late night adventure with my new friend Natalie, we came across a really cool artist. He had a huge sketchbook that was filled with quick water and pen sketches of random people in the subway. We asked him if it was weird when people knew that they were being drawn and he said he did it without them knowing. He would always stay out very late after getting out of work to sit and sketch. With time, he was able to develop a type of portfolio that he now uses when making art for people. His art is so well made that he got a scholarship to go to art school, and in NYC everything is extremely expensive so I thought that he was very lucky. That’s why everything we make we should keep for reference. Also, we should keep looking back at our completed work and keep making art because someone else will love it even if sometimes you feel like it’s not your best. Talking with him made me see his true dedication for what he loved. Getting to see one of my most favorite makeup artists was absolutely what made my heart feel complete. Although I didn’t get a chance to meet Patrickstarrr and MannyMua, I got to see them up close and admire their true selves. They have truly inspired me to continue pursuing my dream of becoming a makeup artist. Looking at all of his YouTube followers bunch up outside was a amazing experience because I know they have worked so hard to be where they are and seeing them happy and being famous, yet staying humble, is awesome. The one person I did get to meet was Patrickastarrr’s mom. I asked her how she felt being there and she simply said that she was proud to see her son be a big makeup artist and break the stereotype that makeup is only for women. This made my heart explode with joy and made me think about my future more clearly. I want to be able to reach a point in my life when my mom can be proud of me. So far I recently turned 19, completed my first year of college as a full time student, and currently work as a Graphic Designer, a Tactical Apprentice, a photographer for the Youth Media Team, and a freelance Makeup Artist. During the trip, I reflected on what the good things are in life and I think that I am where I need to be at in this moment in time.
Canaan ray-strong One thing that really stuck with me on the trip was the first day I got into New York. There was a Prince tribute concert on 125th at the State Building. I felt so much love from everyone around us for Prince and Minneapolis. It was an inspiring moment to know that if your art is true to yourself and pure that people will connect with it all over the world. Another thing that I really enjoyed was just walking through the streets and checking out the graffiti and street art. I didn’t get a chance to go to any street art galleries. I figured that If they were real “street artists” their work should be on the “street”. I found so many good pieces and styles that were astonishing. There were so many good pieces of art that it was hard to keep up with them all. One thing that was probably the most inspiring was the “Rip and Dip” pop up in between Chinatown and Soho. It ended up being a two hour wait to even get inside, but they made it worth it by having celebrity appearances in line, costumed people, skate ramps, the new Drake album blasting, and occasionally making it rain with free stickers. I finally got inside, forgetting about the long line, and was awed by the art and streetwear celebrities. This made the wait worth it!
Studio Visit with Zach Fabri Brooklyn, NY Photographed by: Rochelle Lund
Jahliah holloman As I got off the plane it was go, go, go! I ran into J-Cole on my way out of the airport, and I regretted not saying hi to him. Afterwards, seeing him got me really inspired, and I really wished I could have worked up the courage to talk to him. I feel as musicians, their work relates to contemporary artists in similar ways. If I did talk to him I would have asked about his journey as an artist and how he got to the place he is now. Also, I would have liked to ask about his networking skills because as artists, networking and meetings are essential to being successful as they are for musicians. In the taxi ride to Brooklyn I was so inspired I rapped a little LOL. I had a conversation about growth and personality my second day in New York with performing artist Zach Fabri who uses his own body as a subject of change. I met Zach previously at JXTA, but we never had a conversation before. When I saw him I told him I liked his hair, and in reply he said he liked mine. I replied that I needed to get my style game up to his level. He told me that my style is my style and that’s ok, because we are always changing anyway as people. Style does not represent us as a people, but it can be a part of us. This is something that I am trying to learn. It was fun talking to Zach, and he also gave us a tour of his studio space, and showed us some of his video performing pieces. In one clip there is a scene where he is cutting his hair. At the time he had very long dreads. He talked about cutting them as a form of releasing a weight from himself, both physically, and emotionally. When I got to Philly it ended up being SO amazing. All of the architecture was so beautiful. All of the people there were incredibly nice as well. Being in Philly was definitely a good experience for me! It was a lot less busy than New York which I really liked. There were also so many parks and trees everywhere. I would recommend that anyone who wants a New York kind of experience, but still wants to have some chill time visit Philadelphia!
namir fearce New York is in the people who are from everywhere with so many stories. I’d say on my previous trips to New York I was a viewer and it was their theater, but this trip I got on stage! I got to get into the culture and participated and it felt amazing. I was seeing something familiar but it felt like such a privilege away from home. On my first day there, I walked through 125th Street where I was blessed along with my roommates to find a Prince tribute fest. Everyone and their mama was there: jamming, groovin, and rockin’ purple color suits. The connectedness of the neighborhood was rejuvenating and inspiring. I could feel the freedom. However, I was one of the only young people grooving and singing along with the old heads (this is a usual situation for me lol). However, I loved and enjoyed it still! On my trip I was also able to see the nightlife and what some may consider a “subculture”: the vogue and ball scene. Walking into the building, with house music and bells blaring, to see nothing but queer black and folks of color completely celebrating exactly what people constantly perceive we should be ashamed of, ugh, it was a REVIVAL. I got my life not 1, not 2, but 7 times and even made friends. New York definitely set the bar for fun in my life. One of my highlights was seeing my beloved Jamel Shabazz. The man is a pure vessel of love and compassion that I’ve never quite seen matched anywhere else. His brand of black man serves as a model and light to me, I wouldn’t mind being like him. He took us on a tour of his old neighborhood, where he told us rich stories of his environment and all of its relevance. I was moved pretty much as soon as the man sat down and began to tell his story. He always pours his soul out and I am always humbled by it. We also visited another artist, Zach Fabri. I enjoyed the visit very much, I enjoyed his person even more. He had a great humor, and it was cool to see another artist making work that functions in some of the same ways with the same materials that I’m interested in. It left me feeling inspired and with a better gauge on what exactly I wanted to do and where I saw my work.
The Point Bronx, NY Photographed by: Rochelle Lund
tENZIN JHANGCUP One of the best experience I had in New York was visiting the High Line park. I learned that it’s a 30 feet elevated linear park that’s about a mile and a half long. It is located in Manhattan on a old railroad called the West side Line. Every Tuesday they have stargazing and sculptures such as a sleepwalking man. The High Line had sweet and savory food. I felt like it is important to share this with everyone because of the idea of reusing an abandoned space and turning it into something else that has a different purpose. By using landscape, architecture, and art, you are able to recreate a beautiful place from something that wasn’t being used and turn it into one of the biggest attractions in a big city. This even relates to what we do in the Environmental Design lab. In our lab we work on learning how to work with spaces whether it’s making bike racks or sculptures. We have to think about the environment, the weather, and accessibility to the community. For every project we work on, it’s important for us to research and get to know the client so we can meet their needs. The design of the park is inspired or based off of the iconic urban landscape that took place after the trains stopped running. Therefore, even until this very day you are able to get the vibe of a railroad instead of changing the whole space into something different.
rochelle lund First off, I want to express how grateful I am for my opportunity to go to New York. I had such an amazing five days, met inspiring people, and had a fun, unique, non-touristy experience. I think I slept a total of about 10 hours the whole five days I was there, but it was definitely the best week of my life. One of the top people we met there was Jamel Shabazz for sure. His words were so powerful to me and I had a spiritual awakening after spending time with him. I wrote in my journal “I feel heavy with the duty to serve and do great things. I feel empowered. I feel inspired. I never want to waste my life. I know I’m somebody, I’m important, I’m worth it, I have potential…” I don’t know what it was specifically that set it off inside of me. I just felt Jamel’s energy as he spoke about the things he’s experienced in his life, and it got me thinking about me and my life. This was really important to me because I’ve always had a passion for creating. Although, lately I have been really unsure about what my craft is and doubting what I’m good at and what I am an expert at. I’ve decided that it’s nothing. I haven’t mastered any single trade, rather I’ve dipped my hands in many different mediums and I haven’t let one art form hold me back. I realized that no matter what it is I do, I must do it with integrity and give it my all. My favorite place that we toured was The DreamYard. It reminded me so much of JXTA and I feel like I want to move to NYC now so that I can intern there. They had so many different sects (like our labs) including fashion design, visual arts, music production, theater, dance, graphic design, and more. It was so awesome to see all of those different manifestations of art in one place. I think youth art programs are so important, especially in lower-income areas where there often tends to be a lot of violence, kids not going to school/not doing well in school, getting into trouble because there’s nothing else to do, etc. The DreamYard is a place where kids can go, make amazing things, and get paid for it. The level that they’re at sets a bar for JXTA.
Additional Photo Credits Group Photo in Red Hook (cover): Jamel Shabazz Overview of the NYC Research Trip In Red Hook, Brooklyn: Jamel Shabazz Meet the 2016 JXTA New York Apprentices All apprentice photos: JXTA staff and apprentices Apprentice Reflections Jamel Shabazz: Mai Jonapa Fashion Institute of Technology: Rochelle Lund The Point: Rochelle Lund Columbia University: Mai Jonapa Times Square: Mai Jonapa Prince Celebration in Harlem: Canaan Ray-Strong High Line (left): NYC Parks (nycgovparks.org) High Line (right): Noel Y. C. (nyclovesnyc.blogspot.com) #Making JXTA Moves in Brooklyn, New York City (right): Rochelle Lund Find a slideshow and more pictures from the trip on Google Drive at tinyurl.com/JXTA-NYC2016-pics
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Making #JXTAMoves in Brooklyn, New York City.
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