VOICES IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD tone is blue, or purple or green. Many of the pieces maintain the original pencil sketch lines she uses to map the piece. With funding from hometown gems, Denise Burgess of Burgess Services and the Robert F. Smith Family and longtime Denver arts patrons Tina Walls, Maude B. Lofton M.D. and other donors, “Sylvia’s” was purchased by the Denver Art Museum and will have an ongoing presence here. This special painting captures Sylvia, the owner of her worldfamous namesake restaurant in Harlem, and Sylvia’s family. Included on the wall behind the man on the far right is a photo that hangs on the wall in the restaurant. Jordan was surprised to learn that the photo is of her aunt – quite the coincidence!
Included in the exhibit is a gathering of pieces addressing the civil rights movement of the 60’s. I cried. You will need to see this yourself as my words can’t describe the experience. An added bonus for visitors of the exhibit is the miniature art cards available for free at the entry of the exhibition gallery. On one side of each card is one of Jordan’s paintings, on the flip side (in English and Spanish) are thoughts to contemplate as you move through the gallery and then as you go out into the world after your visit. You can take with you a small piece of her art and reminder to:
“Say HELLO to someone you don’ know.” “Haz una PREGUNTA a alguien.” “Echa un segundo vistazo y VE algo nuevo.” Commenting on her exhibition, Jordan said, “It is of the city and for the city. This is one of their own, coming home to share a journey that hasn’t been easy, but has produced something really beautiful that they can feel a part of.” There are far better commentators who have written articles about Jordan’s work; its style, color palette, brush stroke technique, size, scope. I have read them and have learned a great deal. You should read them, too. An excellent book about this exhibition is available in the gift shop at the museum.
“Make eye contact with someone and smile.” “Slow down and OBSERVE what is around you.”
MUSE - Montbello Urban Spectrum Edition – March/April 2019
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“Jordan Casteel: Returning The Gaze” at the Denver Art Museum and runs through Aug. 18. Admission to the Denver Art Museum and “Returning the Gaze” is free every first Saturday of each month. Since experiencing the show, I have tried to make sure that I smile, nod and gaze at people I pass. You should, too. Author’s note: With all due and great respect, I have opted to use her informal and familiar first name, “Jordan” instead of the expected last name Casteel” in keeping with my perception of her artistic request to see beyond formality; to see her. Y Editor’s note: Khadija Haynes is co-founder of Colorado Black Arts Movement located in Montbello. The organization was founded to promote, enencourage and advance the arartistic creations of Black artists.