"What is Color? What is Race?" 'Our Artists'
"A reflection of the community, consisting of broad interpretations in a variety of mediums by uniquely different artists. . . different voices, very different approaches."
-Bill Thompson, Professor of Illustration, Hartford Art School, University of Hartford
Make it Different Foundation 'Juror Awards' Congratulations!
#1 – The Young King Award – “Upon Reflection” by Arlene Fernandez, mixed media.
#1 – The Young King Award – “Upon Reflection” by Arlene Fernandez, mixed media.
Juror statement: “This piece portrayed the theme of the exhibit very well especially with the inclusion of the mirror which changes the piece with each person viewing it. In essence it portrays the color and race of each person looking at it. The richness of the different mediums reflect the multi layers of each person.”
#2 – The Make It Different Award – “The Treaty” by Clint Deckert, oil on board.
#1 – The Young King Award – “Upon Reflection” by Arlene Fernandez, mixed media.
Juror statement: “This piece shows the simplicity of people of different races having a conversation. If only conversations could be that simple with each other.”
#3 – The What is Color? Award - “Profile” by James Gaffney, mixed media.
#3 – The What is Color? Award - “Profile” by James Gaffney, mixed media.
Juror’s statement: “The ambiguous shadow slowly taking shape in the foreground has a ghostliness to it reflecting the evolving beliefs concerning color and race.”
Artists' Statement Submissions and Bios
Andres Chaparro
Milestones, titled after the great recording session of Miles Davis. The painting was created in response to the shootings of unarmed Black Americans. The painting protrys Miles Davis with his hands up wearing a Neon Green Shirt relecting the Neon Green Oxford which he is seen wearing in the album cover of the recording of the recording Milestones. The work represents the cold reality that enven on of the greatest minds the world has seen would be subjected to the cruel harsh racist treatment that exists in our United States.
The painting titled, Queen Nina Simone is one of a series of work entitled JAZZ ROYALTY. The series depicted iconic jazz practicioners wearing crowns.
"Chaparro's style of distorting the subject matter, and loose, fluid strokes speak to the improvisation of jazz music. The fine scribble lines throughout the painting are the artist following, recording, and bringing the music to the physical world. The word Baltimore over Nina Simone's crown represenss bith one of recordings beloved by the artist, but also honors Freddie Gray whose killing in the hands of Baltimore poice led to civil unrest."
James Gaffney
Profile
I looked to themes of "Revealing the Soul" & "Me in My Skin" I was intrigued by this project from the very beginning. As an active protester, the themes and questions behind this project rang loudly through my mind. I had so many different thoughts and strong opinions about the subject matter at hand. The challenge for me was to convey these emotions without being too obvious or using already recognized symbols. I looked to themes of "Revealing the Soul" & "Me in My Skin".
As a painter, I find myself leaning to towards Abstract Expressionism with all the colors, quick and vibrant paintings. Using only black and white was challenging (although I'm partially colorblind), but these colors produce
As a painter, I find myself leaning to towards Abstract Expressionism with all the colors, quick and vibrant paintings. Using only black and white was challenging (although I'm partially colorblind), but these colors produce
Born in the Philippines, I was adopted and raised here in Southington, CT. I attended the local schools, and this I where my passion for art blossomed with great support and encouragement from my teachers and parents alike. I received an Associates Degree from TXCC in Studio Art and my BS from SCSU also in Studio Art/Painting. Working with an artists collaborative out of Forestville has allowed me to continue creating and working on my craft with the help of other artists supporting each other and pursuing our dreams.
Clinton Decket
Gray Matter (The Treaty)
Clinton Deckert is an award-winning American painter from Southington, Connecticut. He has had a solo exhibition in the New Britain Museum of American Art's "New/Now' and is represented in the museum's permanent collection. His work was shown at Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, Société des Beaux Arts international exhibition. On radio, he appeared on WNPR's panel of artists and critics for the "Ebb and Flow of Dada". In Deckert's early carrer, he served two terms as president of Artworks Gallery, Hartford, CT. Clinton's artwork was included in the Art Palm Beach International Art Fair. He has internationally exhibited and his art is privately collected, including the acclaimed Jack & Susan Warner Collection - considered by many to be one of the world's greatest privately held collections of American art. Deckert remains an art advocate throughout the Northeast.
Christine Bartolotta
Artist's Statement "Revealing the Soul "
The recent, yet continual, racial injustice in our country inspired me to create and submit GrACE in this exhibition,
I have discovered the lens / was viewing my little corner of the world through was foggy and cracked. I was oblivious to the fact the protective multi-cultural and racially diverse neighborhood I was raised in celebration and unity, did not closely match in comparison to others' views in larger society. I had never educated myself about the experiences people who are Black have. I wasn't aware of how many gaps there are in the timelines i previously was instructed to study.
Since this realization bubbled to the surface, I have researched for additional knowledge; read for understanding; had difficult conversations and listened carefully; mindfully observed and spoke out; and owned the privilege I have for being born in white skin. We all share this earth, so how is it that it isn't consistently shared equally?
GrACE, done in watercolor and ink (with bling!) encompasses my personal growth, compassion, and empathy for those I love and care about, and for those I don't even know. It had never occurred to me before to create in representation of race or color other than my own image of self.Christine was raised in an evolving multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, racially diverse neighborhoBarod in New Britain, CT before moving to Newington, CT. She lives in an inter-racial household.
Christine has always enjoyed making art. Currently and for the past 3 years, she is a student of Robert Riggs in SOCCA's pottery studio.
All of her paintings are done in watercolor and she always adds either line drawn or stippled ink to the piece. She has always admired her dear friend, artist Jackie Birdsall's work and has frequently sought her critique - feeling it was a "safe" space to do so.
But, this is her first time showing her watercolor and ink artwork in an exhibit. Her husband, Donald Slater, encouraged her to make a subtle statement through her art when she shared the theme with him: What is Color? What is Race? A Presentation of Black.
And GRACE was created.
Christine Bartolotta GRACE, September 2020
Jessisca Konstanty
Born in the South in a tiny rural farm town in Kentucky; I have roots in family, community and foll-art which have inspired my interest in recycled & mixed media art. About 5 years ago I moved to Massachusetts and recently have made CT my home. Now my art reflects a more North meets South blending of theme, character and personality. Art is my truest passion in life; I am also an advocate for woman's rights, ending domestic violence, ending racism especially in the South and LGBT supporter.
The piece I exhibit today, “Break the Color Chains" is inspired by more than 150 years of African American racial tension, inequality, discrimination and the previous movements to end these acts. This carries on with the current Black Lives Matter movement; specifically I am highlighting the following historical events: - (1866) Memphis Massacre: After civil war event resulting in mass murder, raping of black women, homes being burnt, and robberies despite the enactment of the emancipation proclamation ending slavery. - (1917) St. Louis East Race Riot -Black people were hired to replace white workers on strike at an Aluminum Ore company only to have backlash with lynching and their homes being burnt. -(1957) Little Rock Nine situation in Arkansas where white people prevented black children from entering a school leading to presidential intervention to uphold the Brown Vs. Board ruling to de-segregate schools. - (1963) March for Jobs and Freedom-gathering of protestors for equal rights and also the day Martin Luther King Jr. delivered the iconic, “I have a dream” speech giving hope to the movement. . - (1967) The Newark Riots- The most violent of the 329 riots from 257 cities sparked by police beating of a black man. - (1968) Orangeburg Massacre- Police fired on 200 unarmed protestors at a college trying to get into a Bowling Alley. - (2013) Black Lives Matter Movement - Began with the acquittal of Zimmerman during Trayvon Martin's case with the goal of reforming police to give accountability and end police brutality towards black people.
Some messages I want to convey in my work; - The only way to break the racial color chains is through acts of love, respect, and kindness from the community and policy changes in appropriate housing, police accountability, equal opportunity in work and education and supporting movements to make these changes. -Showing the real-life portrayal of these events even though some are violent and shocking it's meant to serve as a reminder to not live in our past and make changes to have a better future. This is especially shown in the Black Lives Matter picture of a woman holding a sign, "Will My Son be Next?" a genuine concern no parent should have. Let's build a future where no one lives in fear.
Donna Broulliard
Flower of Unity, The Yin-Yang symbol (Zen Sign) not only represents the separate sides of our consciousness, but it also depicts the unity that we possess as a whole,
the entire human race, no matter what color our skin is.
The petals on the stem represent our connection to Mother Earth, and the
waves of different textures represent humanity's wide range of personalities.
Maile Bourget
A White Man's World, Congratulations and a special mention to Make it Different Foundation "Youth of Color" member, Maile Bourget of Southington, for being featured in the Courant's
"List of 12 Connecticut art exhibits taking on sexism, racism, and politics in 2020"