Atlanta,GA30318
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The Modular Quilt is a piece inspired by the secret codes and symbols used in African American quilting during the Underground Railroad era. The codes were used as a means of communication and navigation for enslaved people seeking freedom. These quilts played a crucial role within the culture and were used as objects speaking to family history and emancipation. While there is evidence that quilts were used as a means of communication and navigation, the extent to which specific symbols were used consistently remains uncertain. Some argue that the quilt codes were more likely a part of oral tradition and folklore rather than a highly organized, systematic code. I’ve created new symbols using the constellation Ursa Minor as a modern version of the secret code. I am using new symbols to create a visual dialogue between the historical and modern interpretations of quilting and the significance it holds within African American culture.
Michael Reese 2023
Education:
Atlanta College Of Art - Atlanta, GA - B.F.A. Photography - 1996
Public Art Commissions:
2022 “Below The Belt & Inches Above” (Elevate) Atlanta, GA
2019 “Sacred Street Photography” (Elevate) Atlanta, GA
2014 “African American Aviators” Permanent installation, Fulton County Aviation and Cultural Community Center, Atlanta GA
2008 “New Genre Landscape” (When Pigs Fly) Grant Park, Atlanta GA
2007 “Art In Motion” Temporary installation (MARTA Buses), Atlanta GA
Solo Exhibitions:
2017 “Amalgam”, Arnall Golden Gregory, Atlanta, GA
2014 “Inches Above Earth”, Fulton County Aviation and Cultural Center, Atlanta, GA
Group Exhibitions:
2023 “A Look At Photography” Montresso Art Foundation, Marrakech, Morocco
2023 “Art Fields” Lake City, SC
2023 “Blackness” Jardin Rouge, Marrakech, Morocco
2022 “ART FAIR 1-54” Montresso Art Foundation, New York, NY
2021 “Selected Works” Atlanta Photography Group, Atlanta GA
2019 “Selected Works” Sandler Hudson Gallery, Atlanta GA
2017 “Call and Response” Sandler Hudson Gallery, Atlanta GA
2015 "Sprawl" The High Museum Of Art, Atlanta GA
2014 "The Shape Of A Pocket" Sandler Hudson Gallery, Atlanta GA 2013 "E-Merge" Atlanta
Hartsfield Airport, Atlanta GA
2010 "Patterns Of Play" Greylock Arts, Adams MA
2009 "Flux" (Temporary Public Art Installation) Castleberry Hill, Atlanta GA 2008 "Le
Flash" (Temporary Public Art Installation) Castleberry Hill, Atlanta GA
2003 "Only Skin Deep" International Center of Photography, New York, NY
2002 “Atlanta's Master Photographers” Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA
2002 “Reflections in Black” Atlanta History Center, Atlanta, GA
2002 “One Nite Stand” The Acme Lofts, Decatur, GA
2002 “FLASH” City Gallery East, Atlanta, GA
2002 “25 Years AJF” Chastain Gallery, Atlanta, GA
2001 “Moments in Jazz” Sotheby’s, New York, NY
Radio/Television:
2014 Felecia Church (A Force Proportional To Their Masses) interview, Fulton Focus Forum, 860 AM WAEC
2009 Pamela Martin (Public Art) interview, WSBTV, Channel 2 Atlanta
2008 Dave Barasoain (New Genre Landscape) interview, WABE 90.1 FM
Selected Publications/Bibliography:
Rosenberg, David. “The Whimsical World Inches Above Earth” SLATE Photo blog, November 2013.
Suggs, Ernie. “Budget-squeezed Atlanta leaders to scrap arts grants”, AJC, May 12th, 2011. Hicks, Cinque. “A (new) Genre Landscape: Artsy Parksy, Creative Loafing, June 4th, 2008.
Fox, Catherine. “The Wide World, Seen Through The Eyes Of Atlanta”, review, AJC, September 21st 1996.
Collections:
The High Museum, Atlanta, GA; Clark Atlanta University, Atlanta, GA; Hartsfield Jackson International Airport, Atlanta, GA; Invesco, Atlanta, GA; The Coca-Cola Company, Atlanta, GA; Fulton County Arts Council, Atlanta, GA; Atlanta Office Of Cultural Affairs, Atlanta, GA; and Agnes Scott College; Montresso Art Foundation, Marrakech, Morocco
