Rashid Johnson Makes Things to Put Things On

Art21 — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 15:16:07 +0000

Series:

New York Close Up

Institution:

Art21

How does an artist contribute his own personal story in the face of prevailing historical narratives? In this film, artist Rashid Johnson discusses the fluid nature of black identity in America and its escapist tendencies, from the Afrocentric politics of Marcus Garvey to the cosmic philosophy of Sun Ra. Johnson’s invented secret society—The New Negro Escapist Social and Athletic Club—is a framework through which the artist humorously upends, through repetition and juxtaposition, conventional expectations of historical influence and legacy.

Rashid Johnson Trades Art with Angel Otero

Art21 — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 00:05:38 +0000

Series:

New York Close Up

Institution:

Art21

How do artists make a fair exchange of one artwork for another? In this film, artist Rashid Johnson trades a new sculpture with fellow artist Angel Otero, opting for a new painting at Otero’s studio in Ridgewood, Queens. Friends and unabashed fans of each other’s work since they both attended the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the artists informally discuss the unlikely direction of Otero’s new text-based pieces as well as a few easel-sized paintings.

ArtBabble: Rashid Johnson

Rashid Johnson Makes Things to Put Things On

Rashid Johnson Trades Art with Angel Otero