CAAM Museum Notes - April-June 2016

Wednesday, April 6, 2016, 7pm | Film Screenings Films at CAAM Partners with Diversity in Cannes

Diversity in Cannes is an independent global filmmaker movement promoting diversity of race, religion, gender, age, physical ability, and thought at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Tonight’s four short films were created by students from USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. They include: Adán (2013, 18 min); Doors (2013, 10 min); Deeper Than Black (2014, 23 min); and The Brink (2015, 7 min). After the screenings there will be a Q&A session. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Sunday, April 10, 2016, 2pm | Presentation Ella Fitzgerald: “First Lady of Song”

April is Jazz Appreciation Month! Come celebrate one of the most revered and beloved jazz singers of all time.

Fran Morris, executive director of the Ella Fitzgerald Charitable Foundation, will share rare archival footage of television performances on such iconic shows as The Ed Sullivan Show and Hollywood Palace, as well as other highlights from her illustrious career. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Wednesday, April 13, 2016, 7pm | Film Screenings Films at CAAM Partners with Diversity in Cannes

Diversity in Cannes is an independent global filmmaker movement promoting diversity of race, religion, gender, age, physical ability, and thought at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Shorts featured include Lady Like (2015, 8 min); Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf (2013, 20 min); Mbeti Road to Kiseseni (2015, 16 min); and The Boy (2014, 8 min). Q&A session to follow. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Saturday, April 16, 2016, 2pm | Lecture & Discussion “The History of Funk” Lecture & Talk Presented by Dr. Rickey Vincent

Author, scholar, educator and radio host Dr. Rickey Vincent will provide attendees with insight into the history, culture and politics of funk music. He holds a Ph.D. in Ethnic Studies from UC Berkeley and is the author of Funk: The Music, the People and the Rhythm of The One. This event is part of the programming in conjunction with the CAAM exhibition The Rhythm of Vision: The Artistry of Overton Loyd. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Wednesday, April 20, 2016, 7pm | Film Screenings Films at CAAM Partners with Diversity in Cannes

Diversity in Cannes is an independent global filmmaker movement promoting diversity of race, religion, gender, age, physical ability, and thought at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Tonight’s films include: Whole ‘Nother Level (2015, 19 min); Just Another Nigga? (2015, 3 min); Betye Saar The Alpha and the Omega Kiseseni (2014, 16 min); and The Boy (2014, 8 min). Q&A session to follow. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Saturday, April 23, 2016, 2pm | Earth Day Activity Paint a Pot and Plant a Pod

It’s Earth Day! Come and decorate a clay pot with paints, and plant a flower or vegetable seed. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016, 7pm | Film Screenings Films at CAAM Partners with Diversity in Cannes

Diversity in Cannes is an independent global filmmaker movement promoting diversity of race, religion, gender, age, physical ability, and thought at the Cannes Film Festival in France. Tonight’s films include: Yellow Fever (2012, 6 min); Ambition to Live (2013, 5 min); Bus Ride (2015, 7 min); and ALX (2014, 28 min). Q&A session to follow. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Saturday, May 7, 2016, 11am – 4pm | Annual Literacy Event “Heads Are Turning, Children Are Learning” Annual Children’s Literacy Day at CAAM

For 14 years CAAM has celebrated Literacy Day in conjunction with National Children’s Book Week. Join in the family fun-filled day of celebrity readers, storytellers, face painting, art projects, live performances, and prizes.

Sunday, May 22, 2016, 2pm | Lecture Deciphering West African Masks: Ritual, Culture and Community

Let’s take a deeper look into the significance of the roles and representations of masks featured in the CAAM exhibition, The African American Journey West. Twentieth century masks from Nigeria, Congo, and Burkina Faso will be examined to better understand how they were utilized in African cultures. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Saturday, May 28, 2016, 1pm – 4pm | Special Event A Day of Funk

Kick back and enjoy the sounds of funk being spun by a live DJ while experiencing the creative process as graffiti artists transform canvas into a street art masterpiece. The finished artwork will be raffled off to a lucky audience member. Nosh on fare from local food vendors or nearby restaurants, and take a moment to visit the current exhibitions on view at CAAM. This event is part of the programming in conjunction with the CAAM exhibition, Rhythm of Vision: The Artistry of Overton Loyd. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Saturday, June 4, 2016, 1pm – 3pm | Artist talk & Discussion In Conversation: Alison and Lezley Saar

On the occasion of Reflection on the Self, this artist talk invites exhibiting artists and siblings Alison and Lezley Saar to explore the relevance of the human body in their work. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Thursday, June 9, 2016, 7pm | Film Screening Films at CAAM Celebrating Black Music Month Something from Nothing: The Art of Rap (2012, 120 min) This documentary chronicles the trajectory of rap music.

Director and interviewer Ice-T takes us on a deeply personal journey uncovering how this music of the urban streets has grown to dominate music genres the world over. Along the way, Ice-T interviews a wide spectrum of hip-hop talent, from founders to new faces. Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Kanye West are among those featured. Co-directed by Ice-T and Andy Baybutt. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

June 12, 2016 through August 7, 2016, 1pm – 3:30pm | Craft Workshop Crafts and Creations in CAAM’S Courtyard Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, 1pm – 3:30pm

This is a time for families and friends to drop in and spend a relaxing time creating art projects such as still life painting, the Black church fan, clay sculptures, and others. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Thursday, June 16, 2016, 7pm | Film Screening Films at CAAM Celebrating Black Music Month Sound of Redemption: The Frank Morgan Story (2014, 75 min) Director N.C. Heikin tells the story of a charismatic

yet self-destructive artist presented with sympathetic tact. In Sound of Redemption, Heikin paints an affectionate life portrait of the late jazz musician Frank Morgan, once viewed as a musical heir to Charlie “Bird” Parker. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Thursday, June 23, 2016, 7pm | Film Screening Films at CAAM Celebrating Black Music Month Mavis! (2016, 80 min) Mavis! is the first feature documentary film on gospel/soul music legend and civil rights

icon, Mavis Staples, including her musical family, The Staple Singers. The documentary depicts how her 60year career and her family group inspired millions and helped to propel the Civil Rights Movement with their powerful and substantive music. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

I

am pleased to share with you some very exciting recent developments and changes at the California African American Museum (CAAM).

First, I’m delighted that Naima J. Keith has joined CAAM and will serve as the Museum’s Deputy Director of Exhibitions and Programs. Naima’s background is impressive, and her interests include American and international contemporary art, with a particular focus on themes of identity and conceptual practices.

During her five-year tenure at The Studio Museum in Harlem as Associate Curator, Naima curated several highly-regarded exhibitions including Charles Gaines: Gridwork 1974-1989, which also traveled to the Hammer Museum in 2015 and was nominated as “Best Monographic Museum Show in New York” by the International Association of Art Critics. As a curatorial fellow at the Hammer Museum, Naima worked closely with curator Kellie Jones in developing the critically acclaimed exhibition Now Dig This! Art and Black Los Angeles 1960-1980 (2012), which appeared at the Hammer Museum as part of the Getty’s citywide exhibition initiative, Pacific Standard Time: Art in L.A. 1945-1980 (also known as “PST”).

In February 2016, Governor Edmund G. Brown, Jr., announced the following appointments to CAAM’s State Board of Directors:

n Cornelious Burke has a background in public policy as well as experience as a real estate officer at the California Department of General Services. He’s also served as a legislative assistant to former State Senator Curren D. Price and as a special assistant to the chairman of the California Legislative Black Caucus. He holds a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from the Sol Price School of Public Policy at USC. n Victor Griego has been president at Diverse Strategies for Organizing, Inc., since 1990 and is a member of the non-profit organization Vecinos de South Pasadena. n Terri Holoman has gleaned extensive board experience from her work with St. Anne’s Foundation, the Black Alumni Board of USC’s Black Alumni Association, and the Los Angeles Women’s Public Policy Institute class of 2015. n Bari A. Williams has been counsel at Facebook, Inc., since 2014. Prior to joining the social media giant, Williams was counsel at the CSAA Insurance Group (2012-2014), a program director at the California Minority Counsel Program (2011-2012), and associate council at Risk Management Solutions (2009-2011).

Todd Hawkins remains as the President and Zna Portlock Houston continues to serve as Vice President of our State Board of Directors, along with Rev. Cecil “Chip” Murray.

In the last issue of Museum Notes, I shared that CAAM was filing the application to become a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, and I’m pleased to announce that our application was accepted. This means that the Museum will now be able to expand its ability to collaborate with a variety of cultural heritage institutions across the United States. Again, I’d like to thank our colleagues at Sony Pictures Entertainment who generously donated the funds to sponsor CAAM’s application.

Now that spring is here, I do hope you’ll shed the doldrums of the winter season and get outdoors to enjoy the great weather. I also hope you’ll come by the Museum to view and experience our newest exhibitions.

More on those can be found at our website, www.caamuseum.org. And stay abreast of CAAM news by making frequent visits to our Facebook and Twitter accounts (@CAAMinLA).

I look forward to running into you when you’re next at CAAM. In the meantime, be well.

George O. Davis, Executive Director Donations to CAAM may be made online at www.caamuseum.org or mail contributions to Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum, 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037 The California African American Museum is a State-supported agency, Edmund G. Brown, Jr., Governor. CAAM partners with and is further supported by Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum. CAAM is located in Exposition Park at 600 State Drive in Los Angeles. CAAM is open Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm, and Sundays 11am - 5pm. Admission is FREE. Parking at 39th and Figueroa Streets is $12 per vehicle. Tel 213.744.7432. Fax 213.744.2050. Email: info@caamuseum.org. Website: www.caamuseum. org. Facebook/Twitter@caaminla. Museum Notes is published quarterly by the California African American Museum. Executive Editor, Denise L. McIver. Design, Susan Dworski | The Blue One. Photos: Malcolm Ali (courtesy Urban Issues Breakfast Forum), Valerie Goodloe, and Gene Ogami.

Todd Hawkins, President Zna Portlock Houston, Vice President Cornelious Burke Victor Griego Terri Holoman Rev. Cecil L. Murray Bari A. Williams

Inspired by Overton Loyd’s character design techniques, this workshop will guide participants in creating their own music-inspired characters. The workshop is led by graffiti artist Man One and writer/artist Gustavo Alberto Garcia Vaca, who together with Loyd formed the art group Unification Theory. Suitable for ages 10 years & up.

RSVP at 213.744.2024.

Discover the magic of mural painting with artist Crushow Herring, and contribute to the creation of a large mural on paper that will be on temporary display in CAAM’s Courtyard. This event is part of the programming in conjunction with the CAAM exhibition Evolution of the Revolution. RSVP at 213.744.2024.

CAAM State Board of Directors

Saturday, April 2, 2016, 2pm | Art Workshop Character Design Art Workshop

Saturday, April 30, 2016, 1pm | Mural Painting Workshop

Friends, the Foundation of the California African American Museum 600 State Drive, Exposition Park, Los Angeles, CA 90037 T 213.744.7432 . F 213.744.2050 www.caamuseum.org Open Tues.–Sat. 10 am–5 pm, Sun 11 am-5 pm. Admission is FREE Parking $12 at 39th & Figueroa Streets. Metro: Expo Line to Exposition Park stop adjacent to USC & the Rose Garden.

april – June 2016

A message from george O. davis, executive director

NON PROFIT ORG US Postage Paid Permit No. 1619 Los Angeles, CA

public programs

Museum Notes CALIFORNIA AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM

April - June 2016

exhibitions

DJ Crazy Toones and WC throwing up the “W” for West Coast, photo by Estevan Oriol.

Oh Snap! West Coast Hip Hop Photography

rhythm of vision:

caam courtyard series

the artistry of Overton Loyd

metaphors

May 11 – September 18, 2016

March 17 – September 18, 2016

September 24, 2015 – May 1, 2016

Oh Snap! West Coast Hip Hop Photography presents a focused selection of photographs that explore one of the most influential musical genres and cultural movements of the last quarter century: Hip Hop. Centering on the unique style developed on the West Coast of the United States, and particularly in California, this exhibition highlights the dynamic array of Hip Hop artists that that gained national prominence in the 1990s, including Ice Cube, YoYo, Tupac, and E-40. Oh Snap! features more than forty works by photographers such as Michael Miller, author of West Coast Hip Hop: A History in Pictures (2011); creative industry professional Carl Posey; and many others. The first of its kind to be organized at CAAM, this exhibition pays homage to the distinct flavor, evolution, and influence of West Coast Hip Hop music. ​​

Overton Loyd is a kind of Renaissance Man. He is by turns a visual and multimedia artist, illustrator, and designer, and is perhaps best known for his work as the creative director for George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. Loyd’s extensive body of work epitomizes the unique perspective of a multifaceted artist. His artistic journey commenced at age three when he discovered his passion for drawing. He has since become a prolific artist whose styles and mediums vary from pen sketches to high-resolution digital renderings. Born in Detroit, Loyd is widely known for creating distinctive caricatures and characters.

His most notable character, Sir Nose D’Voidoffunk, appears on the iconic 1978 album Motor Booty Affair, which has become synonymous with George Clinton and the Parliament culture. Rhythm of Vision introduces viewers to the vast scope of Loyd’s creativity through his use of diverse media, wide array of subject matter, and intriguing compositions.

Charles Dickson is widely known as a public artist with the ability to create studio works ranging from assemblage, functional art, and sculptures using various materials such as wood, found objects, metal, and glass. During the creative process, Dickson imagines the raw materials before him being transformed into images, elements, and shapes that will represent and symbolize the essence of the concept he envisions.

Through this rendering process a metaphor will emerge that illustrates his views about a particular subject.

In this exhibition, Dickson creates five “metaphors” in the form of multimedia sculptures that transform the space, tell a story, and engage the viewer.

Hinged, Overton Loyd, 2005. Acrylic on canvas.

Collection of George and Michelle Evans.

She’s The Face of.... April Bey, 2013. Epoxy resin on wood board. Promised gift of the artist.

Courtesy of the artist.

EVOLUTION OF THE REVOLUTION

Reflections on the Self

January 18 – June 26, 2016

Selections from the Permanent Collection

May 11 – September 18, 2016 This exhibition illustrates the breadth of mediums and approaches that artists have used to depict the human form. From life-like resemblance to more abstract gestures, the complexities of the human face and body have engaged generations of visual artists working in painting, printmaking, sculpture, and assemblage alike. The objects on display in this exhibition are drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, including generous gifts from private collectors and the artists themselves. Reflections on the Self begins with portraits of powerful historical figures such as Malcolm X, Angela Davis, and Mary McLeod Bethune. It continues with celebratory images of cultural icons—including Thelonious Monk and a New Orleans Grand Marshal—as well as references to black pride, past and present. In other works that explore spirituality and the metaphysical world, bodily forms appear idealized or fantastical. These scenes are laden with symbols that evoke Biblical stories, personal narratives, and tales of diaspora. The exhibition concludes with objects that reflect upon human relationships in both public and private contexts: a neighborhood stroll, a dance in a nightclub, piano and quilting lessons, an image of rebellion. In A Family Treasure Found, an installation by Dominique Moody, the artist delves into questions of familial bonds, presence, and absence through her multilayered depictions of her parents, her siblings, and herself.

Featured artists include, among others, Daphne Arthur, Richmond Barthé, Phoebe Beasley, Romare Bearden, April Bey, John Biggers, Milton Bowens, Elizabeth Catlett, Zeal Harris, Suzanne Jackson, Artis Lane, Dominique Moody, William Pajaud, Faith Ringgold, Betye Saar, Alison Saar, Lezley Saar, and Charles White.

Front cover: Tight, Overton Loyd, 2004. Watercolor and ink. Collection of the artist.

Blossom, Charles Dickson, 1988. High impact styrene plastic urethane foamcore. Collection of the artist.

Amistad, 2011 (detail). Surreal Box Cinema, Lynn Rossi (photographer/set designer) and Nichelle Evans (set designer). Digital print. Courtesy of the artists.

Evolution of the Revolution is an immersive, multimedia installation created by Surreal Box Cinema, an artistic duo comprised of Lynn Rossi (photographer/set designer) and Nichelle Evans (set designer/conceptual artist). Evolution of the Revolution presents a surreal photographic journey that explores the African American revolutionary path, from the Trans-Atlantic Middle Passage to the presentday political arena, and includes such pivotal moments as the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights Movement. The bright, large scale photographs featured in Evolution of the Revolution do more than pay tribute to the men and women who triumphed over slavery and struggle to gain equal rights: they also provide a poignant commentary on how the revolution reverberates through contemporary culture and events. To create these layers of meaning, the artists constructed elaborate staged sets that feature live models posing with a variety of props chosen or designed to provide a sharp and often satirical historical insight.

The African American Journey West permanent collection

Now on view

This reprised exhibition chronicles the history of African Americans through artwork and historical artifacts that illustrate their long journey from the West Coast of Africa to present day California.

View of installation.

Hard edged

caam and the community CAAM again honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Each year, the third Monday of January is a memorable day at the California African American Museum (CAAM).

On King Monday, we honor the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and highlight his commitment to the issues surrounding civil rights and social justice. Dr. King’s legacy continues to impact lives across generations and racial Participants wearing their workshop crowns. lines, which for CAAM is always worth celebrating. At 11 a.m., we opened the Museum’s doors to an eager throng. Our Education Department curated an engaging slate of live performances and maker-workshops facilitated by artists. Throughout the holiday, which was billed as our monthly Target Sundays at CAAM, more than 1,800 enthusiastic visitors filtered through the galleries and Courtyard to view our current exhibitions. This was one of the Museum’s best-attended MLK celebrations in recent years, and we thank all of you who shared the day—and a slice of homemade birthday cake—with us at CAAM.

Urban Issues Breakfast Forum CAAM serves as the venue for Dr. Anthony Samad’s Urban Issues Breakfast Forum (UIBF), a community platform where major thought-leaders, social activists, writers, and historians discuss a range of social and political topics over a free breakfast open to the public. Dr. Samad and UIBF have hosted such cultural figures as Angela Davis, Rodney King, and author Nelson George, among many Dr. Michael Eric Dyson at the podium. others, at these well-attended early morning events. The guest speaker at the Breakfast Forum on March 3rd was the renowned scholar Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, who was in town to promote his most recent book, The Black Presidency: Barack Obama and the Politics of Race in America. A gentle reminder: if you haven’t already done so, remember to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter (@CAAM).

Target Sunday features Ballet

geometrical abstraction and beyond

August 13, 2015 – April 24, 2016 Hard Edged explores the evolving practice of geometrical abstraction in contemporary art, illustrating the rich interplay of tradition, innovation, and individual talent among forty-six visual artists of African descent. The exhibition offers an expansive and exploratory appreciation of geometrical abstraction not only in painting but also in assemblage, installation, photography, video, quilting, and mixed-media works. Features common to many works include the prominent use of lines and sharply edged shapes, a clear sense of composition, unity of form, intense contrasts, and flat fields of color. The approaches of the artists in this exhibition are very different, from perceptual to conceptual, from formal to boundary-crossing. Some are minimalistic while others celebrate color and texture exuberantly. Although working at various levels of abstraction, the artists in this exhibition address such important issues as feminism, identity, colonialism, stereotypes, family relations, and social justice.

Students from the City Ballet of Los Angeles.

Herald, 20th century, Edo culture, Benin/Nigeria. Cast brass.

Gift of the Scott Campbell Family.

Our monthly Target Sundays at CAAM are always special events.

For the March installment, and as part of CAAM’s programming celebrating Women’s History Month, we screened A Ballerina’s Tale: The Incredible Rise of Misty Copeland, followed by a Q&A session with Robyn Gardenhire, who appears in the film and is the founder of the City Ballet of Los Angeles (CBLA).

Students from CBLA’s school performed a short ballet, and Robyn led a beginner-level ballet class in which audience members of all ages were invited to participate.