skies, walk in the woods, and see animals return to our cities and parks. This is exactly the phenomenon of hope within despair that artists and independent curators, Anna Kaye and Kalliopi “Kapi” Monoyios, had in mind when they approached Lakewood with their proposal for a temporary outdoor exhibition, “LandMark.” In 2020, Anna and Kapi described the impetus for the project by saying, “Worlds contracted like never before in living memory as stay-at-home measures were observed in all of the globe’s bustling human settlements. Skies were blue again, birds chirped in peaceful mornings, seismologists actually heard the inner machinations of the earth [that were] once drowned out by human activity. As artists we have long drawn inspiration from the environments that we inhabit... Intrinsic in our fascination is how humans shape and change environments. In a time that is marked by widespread isolation, these works will serve as a direct connection between the artists and people, fostering a sense of discovery and community.” Recently Laine Godsey, arts programming curator, had the chance to ask Anna and Kapi some questions about themselves and the project. Here is what they had to say: Laine Godsey: How did this project and curatorial collaboration come together?
Kapi Monoyios, Gyre (detail), 2019; single-use plastic packaging.
IN EXPLORATION OF
LANDMARK ANNA KAYE
KAPI MONOYIOS
“LandMark” is a temporary, public outdoor exhibition curated by Anna Kaye and Kalliopi Monoyios. It will take place in parks across Lakewood and will open on April 17. Stay up to date with information and maps for the exhibition by visiting Lakewood.org/Exhibitions. In March 2020, as the pandemic forced its way into our lives and communities, we slowed the human pace of things. We drove less and walked, hiked and biked more. Many of us connected intimately with our parks, land and environment as we found refuge in the natural world we collectively call home. It was comforting, and even hopeful, to see clear
8 Winter/Spring 2021 | BRAVO LAKEWOOD
Anna Kaye & Kapi Monoyios: We met through mutual friends who are also environmental artists. We were drawn together by our similar interest in using art and exhibits to promote conversation around challenging topics in science and conservation. When the pandemic hit, Kalliopi was struck by the extraordinary power of the world acting in concert to shut down the never-ending hustle and bustle of humanity. The idea for this exhibit was born in that eerie pause, and when she approached Anna about teaming up, Anna immediately jumped on board. We pooled our skills and resources and are very excited to be bringing the exceptionally talented group of contemporary local artists to Lakewood’s parks in “LandMark.” We get the distinct pleasure of pulling them together to show the residents of Lakewood what creative souls live in their midst. LG: What do you hope the viewers/community take away from their experience with the exhibition? AK & KM: We hope residents of Lakewood will enjoy discovering thought-provoking art popping up in their neighborhood parks this spring. This last year has been so disruptive in so many ways; we are looking forward to the positive connections we can build—between people and art, between artists and their communities, and between humanity and the forces of nature. Lakewood.org/Bravo