Black Portraiture [s] III Conference

The official booklet of "Black Portraiture [s] III: Reinventions: Strains of Histories and Cultures" contained proposal outlines of panelists and participant biographies. Artist Kudzanai Chiurai's "Genesis XI" has the cover.

Last month, something monumental happened-- life changing to be exact. Attending Black Portraiture[s] was definitely one of the most incredible experiences of the year.
For three marvelous days, a thundering triumphant intellectually rousing echo loud and proud in varied areas of Turbine Hall with profound black visual artists such as Hank Willis Thomas, Wangechi Mutu, Zanele Muholi, Sanford Biggers, Rashaad Newsome, and more in attendance. The Glass House, The Steam Room, The Engine Room, The Coal Hopper, and The Power House served as safe spaces to speak on art, activism, and scholarly research. This great doing must have been a frothy pipe dream coming true for a forum in its seventh cooperative, held previously in big cities such as New York City, Florence, and Paris. Fronted by Tisch Photo Department Chair Deborah Willis and Cornell University's Visual Studies Director Cheryl Finley, this juggernaut of a conference crashed down for the first time on the African continent, igniting provocative conversations marginalized bodies needed to have.

Johannesburg's historic Turbine Hall set stage for inevitable discussions.

A near packed house await opening remarks.

Black tote bags honor Africa and those traveling from North America.

Imperative short speeches snatched reality into its clutches, letting attentive audience become fully aware of present problems facing all brown individuals-- seeded problems that have hindered us throughout displaced history. Speakers called out for respecting diversity of disenfranchised humanity, disregarded majority speaking up for marginalized bodies, worldwide colonialism phenomenon, and understanding transcendence.

Deborah and Cheryl giving welcoming remarks.

U.S. Ambassador Patrick Gaspard quoted Zora Neale Hurston, "adorn and transform outside world art can illuminate." He praised black women writers and artists: Gwendolyn Brooks, Lorna Simpson, Mary Sibande, Carrie Mae Weems, Deborah Willis, and Zanele Muholi. He also addressed critical concerns about issues pertaining to South African women. They were more likely to be exposed to diseases (more than 2,000 a week) and not receive medical assistance.

Artist Hank Willis Thomas says, " I think of blackness as a state of mind, not a skin color."

Zanele Muholi was coerced onto stage to sing the South Africa anthem.

"We often accept our racial naming without retort," said plenary speaker Dr. David C. Driskell, "racial naming does not define us." He spoke about various experiences coming to Africa continent. First, he came to represent William H. Johnson, curating his works at a South Africa gallery. During this experience, however, Driskell was subjected to strangely delusional apartheid reclassification-- that African Americans are considered "honorary white" due to their American citizenship, which was another way of dehumanizing. 

One of Driskell's self portraits, depicting a "positive trajectory of self."

Dr. Nikki Greene compared Maria Magdelena Campos Pons and Kara Walker's works based in the sugar plantations.

A few standout highlights:
In The Steam Room, "A Continent as a Woman" featured panelists discussing feminine roles in the arts. From Celia Cruz to Grace Jones, scholars and essayists presented brilliant reflections of their respective roles in the arts, their grand importance beyond using beauty.

Adrian Loving examined the power of Queen Grace Jones. She is a bold, brazen, colorful, risk taking, androgynous, beautiful piece of glamorous history that is always ignites a fiery dialogue.  

A promo shot of BAPS starring Halle Berry and Natalie Desselle Reid from Maisha Stephens-Teacher's "Africans As Original Hairdressers" presentation.

The For/Four Women Panel led by Jessica Rucker and Tia Thompson explained gatekeepers of blackness, acts of defiance, and rejection of surveillance. Their joint collaboration featured recorded documentations using still photography-- a unique way of capturing textures of skin, wrinkles and showing intimacy, Nina Simone's "Blackbird" in mind.
Alicia Bonaparte and Andrea Chung bridged a relationship between research and art, focusing on Jamaican midwives and the OBGYN's battle to dismiss their importance.

Another shot from Stephens-Teacher's presentation. This featured the elaborate sophistication of braided crown hairstyles-- the pure artistry and majestic design.

ArtNOIR Panel included Fhatuwani Mukheli, Nontsikelelo Mutiti, Milisuthando "Mili" Bongela (moderator), Lina Viktor, Itani Thalefi, and Mpumelelo Mcata.

ArtNOIR's “Universal Blackness” panel, which was on day two, discussed agency of importance, body transcending identity politics, hair braiding as technology, and conceptualizing idea of home for those African descendants residing all over the globe. They were focused on keeping Africa as part of their artistic narrative, some finding no sense of kinship in one specific place.

“At the Goodman Gallery opening last night, someone said to me, 'I want our city back',” Mili mentioned, saying that this person wasn't enjoying black American "coming home" philosophy. It was interesting, somewhat expected topic. Particular point of discussion was tough yet not packed with brutal punches. The artillery wasn't hurtful missiles launched at foreign travelers. In fact, they compared tension filled phenomenon to an awkward first date. Honest candid confession about black Americans seemingly taking over Johannesburg, with “homeland” speeches put a toll on local intellects. Yet Mili heroically salvaged the statement by insinuating that all African descendants share a mission-- to dismantle chains of colonialism ideals spread throughout the globe.

Transcontinental relationship between African American and South Africa: South Africa is "depicted as imbibers whereas diasporic African Americans are exemplars of modernity that Africans want to emulate."

Lupita braiding Nontsikelelo Mutiti's hair from Vogue Magazine.

Nervous Conditions: Representations of Black Femininities was this colossal final act set spearing heart, surging so deep inside an abyssal pulpit one hadn't realized existed within. Women came up to the mic, spilling uncomfortable confessions that made attentive souls feel only great empathy.  Bittersweet and dark and raunchy and broken, these opened scars delivered to listeners. In the audience, uncontainable weeping and tear droplets seeped from eyes, mouths wobbled and trembled, polished hands frantically wiping evidence .We were being reborn together, our seeds smoothly massaged, taking away damaging dirt and weed.

In every nook and cranny, gatherings were afoot.

Overall, fierce determined allegiance spread throughout, a sweetly contagious affliction brewing with splendid ideas and creative possibilities buzzing in thick air. Relationships began to form-- friendships, kinships, camaraderies. Everyone latched on to resonating words being spilled and gutted out, these triggering words igniting something rarely experienced.
For a painfully shy observer, reluctance seemed to come away at the seams, tearing away to let inside new people to cherish and support; these carefree artists, these young revolutionary thinkers. 
To say Black Portraiture, one of the best moments of my life, was well worth the travel is a great understatement. This mere wonderment provided more than originally hoped. Something viscid and engaging remains inside me like a precious gift. I had slowly unwrapped and kept its contents.
I truly cannot thank my supporters enough for the opportunity let alone the organizers who chose which candidates should share their wisdom and words with such an eloquent audience, what an unforgettable pleasure.  Thank you to my friends, my family, Black Portraiture [s] committee ad its attendees for making my year special, for granting beautiful memories to cement forever.

Vegan Mofo Day #19: Airport Vegan: Johannesburg Edition

For Vegan Mofo #19, I rather enjoyed my stay in Johannesburg. A beautiful, charming, unbelievably sublime place filled with too many sights to see on so short a visit. After escaping off airplane shuttle van, having told the driver I planned to return next year, I was in O. R. Tambo International Airport for a majority of a Sunday. First thing I did-- headed to the fancy-schmancy Woolworths for breakfast, finding a package of tasty Hot Cross Buns-- 100% vegan. I would love to make my own vegan hot cross buns someday. They're divine.

This is my first time having them! These cute, small buns were easy to break apart for ravenous devouring. Currants, raisins, cinnamon, and all kinds of holiday reminding flavors crept onto tongue and stayed between satisfactory chewing.I could have eaten the whole six pack.

See the softness?

In between window shopping at souvenir shops and free standing kiosks, travel companions are excited about lunch-- despite one not being able to consume. The mixed berry smoothie is the start off.

Vegetable korma curry and vegetable rice.

I am a little questionable about the vegan authenticity of this dish. My waiter claimed there was no butter or milk in this. Perhaps he was right. I could barely taste the coconut. I've had plentiful coconut dishes in my six days and had yet experienced something lacking that strong, present taste. Yet, I asked another waiter and he sad, "yes. There is butter and milk in that." So..... Although, my waiter came back and repeatedly rested his case, I couldn't finish my meal. I didn't have the usual stomach symptoms when having an accidental dairy moment, but couldn't fathom how one waiter insists that it's 100% vegan while another waiter is clearly unsure what's in the food. Maybe I was being too severe and feel a little guilty, but I wanted to be consciously aware as opposed to not being entirely certain.

An hour before boarding the plane, which would be leaving at 11:30PM, I discovered Mugg & Bean, a coffee bar restaurant near the gate. From the Mexican Style Street Food Menu, I ordered the pan friend mushroom torta (excluding mozzarella) with garlic, rocket (arugula), tomato, and fresh basil and a side of hot, chunky cut, rosemary-salted fries and bottomless lemonade.

Mushrooms were flavorful between warmed bread-- just needed a bit more. Fries were delicious. I'm thankful to have eaten this prior to boarding Dutch airline-- an all out cheese fest failure. Something needs to be done about KLM that's for sure.   

Vegan Mofo Day #18: The Greenside Cafe

For Vegan Mofo #18, Joburg's The Green Side Cafe in the Greenside neighborhood (near Conscious 108) offers a range of burgers, pastas, pizzas, and milkshakes. In other words, it's another vegan comfort food haven. They also have a meditation center-- how thoughtful! I caught an Uber here on a Friday night, set on painting the city red with plant based spirits.

Their menu had mouth watering appeal such as Phyllo Delight Stew (tofu and sweet potato stuffed napolita), whole grain sushi, mince and vegetable pie, raw maple cheesecake, and so much more.

This is the yummylicious Lazy Boy Smoothie consisting of coconut milk, almond butter, dates, and vanilla bean.

I ordered Lasagna a la Tegan-- pumpkin, mushroom, tomato, sauteed tofu, and macadamia nut and rosemary cashew cream. It comes out in the pan it was baked in-- nice and hot. Kind, gracious waitress, with shaved sides and dyed green, short length straight back braids, also brought a degree of spunk to the place. In fact, I rather liked each individual woman walking to and fro, there was something special about them.

I felt incredibly blessed to have dinner at such a charming dining establishment, a place finer than a lot of places I've frequented in the states. Fine quality food, fresh flowers in clear water filled vases brightening every table, and affable beautiful staff.... I couldn't have asked for a better spot.

I found it impossible to finish this rich, incredibly savory dish that tasted of autumn delight. Even though at one moment, all of the restaurant's power went out and waitresses scrambled over to tables with tea light candles, I continued eating in darkness, with eyes closed, humming over such divine comfort. Sadness did arrive when the waitress said, "I hope you come back." I really, really want to.

Vegan Mofo Day #17: Matlombe Lounge: A Divine Culinary Experience

For Vegan Mofo post #17, I wasn't particularly interested in taking lunch vouchers at the conference. My mind imagined meat sandwiches and cold salads with honey dressing. I didn't want to take chances. So imagine the surprised look on my face as while walking to Newtown Junction Mall with two other conference ladies, we spied a sign for Matlombe Lounge-- a new vegan/vegetarian restaurant. While the ladies continued for the mall, I headed towards this establishment-- giddy and excited.

When I ordered falafel, I hadn't expected it to arrive like club sandwiches. It was a terrific surprise! Grilled pita bread with flattened falafel patties, pickled crisp mixed vegetables, and avocado inside. If anyone had told me this was a falafel sandwich, I would deem them lies. I'll see if I can mimic this delicious creation at home-- so good. 

While the sandwiches were indeed incredibly scrumptious, the fries were lukewarm and greasy.

This is decaf Gingerbread Latte with Soya Milk-- fantastic and so much better than expensive Starbucks red holiday cup.

Varied sugars inside a red and white beaded cup.

They also cater for events.

Before I paid my bill, the waiter asked, "how was everything?"
"Incredible!" I told him.
We high-fived each other-- both of us happy and proud. 

Saturday Morning Breakfast

"I remember you here from yesterday," said the brown eyed waiter, dressed in clean, starched black uniform.
"You do?" I asked, surprised. I hadn't recalled seeing him.
Inside, I also hoped he didn't see me mauling falafel as though it were my last meal on Mother Earth.
"Yes," he said, offering a polite smile.
"I just love the food."
"I see that. Thank you for returning."
I grinned.
Such a wonderfully cordial exchange.

The next day, before conference's final day, I ate breakfast at the lounge, having enjoyed last visit. I started off with this awesome Nutty Banana Smoothie.

The Sunrise Breakfast Platter contained vegetable tofu scramble, grilled zucchini, sliced tomato, avocado slices, and hearty toast.

Ravenous and blissful, I devoured my morning meal with ease. Although I picked out black olives (I will never ever like olives), the vegetable tofu scramble fulfilled appetite. Pieces of mushrooms and green and red peppers tasted

Toast!

Naturally, I spread avocado on the toast instead of the two butter options. I think I made right decision.

This breakfast truly fit well together! I was well satisfied on final conference day.

Vegan Mofo Day #16: Conscious 108

For Vegan Mofo post number 16, is a first of several restaurant reviews-- each one peppered in adventure and mayhem. According to Google Maps, taking a walk from Protea to all vegan, HappyCow recommended Conscious 108 was supposed to be an hour and a half. I left hotel around noon. When I sat at the restaurant, rounded wall clock read 3:15PM. Yes. It took over three hours to get there. In between walking up and down hills, taking sun reflecting photographs, smelling fresh scattered lavender perfuming pavements, I believe it was well worth the journey.

The black and white menu, chic and adorable, reminded me a little bit of Chloe.

The dessert menu is always the most difficult. From cakes to ice cream to tiramisu, I admit wanting to try them all out.

Raspberry cordial (very, very sweet) paired with Schweppe's lemonade to temper down sugary syrup flavor.

The Conscious "Cheese Beef" Burger is a massive soy wheat patty topped with their house made cheese sauce, juicy tomatoes, grated carrot, caramelized onions, and pickled cucumbers on a plump whole wheat roll. This was definitely the bee's knees. Tasty and hearty, cooked to perfection, I thought it was one of the most amazing vegan burgers ever eaten. The cheese sauce is unique and takes some getting used to after being accustomed to Daiya and Field Roast Chao.

Thick cut, naked sweet potato fries-- delicious component that doubled as cheese sauce scoopers.

Oryx Sea Salt and Oryx Black Pepper, when ground out, let big crystallized flecks and sparks escape, coarsely pouring over food-- a tiny bit went a long, flavorful way and glorified eating experience.

Corinne Bailey Rae's "Put Your Records On" played, a song I had once badly sang in karaoke, soft guitar strumming to romantic lyrics chirping on about loving afro hairdos and summer tasting like cinnamon, I dug into this beautiful slice of sugar free, gluten free carrot cake.

To this day, I'm not sure how I felt about the cake. Without sugar, it certainly lacked for something. I couldn't even describe how enticingly dripped icing tasted. Maybe Rae's ginger tune was seducing me, but I did honestly enjoy cinnamon notes inside moist, fork tender cake and sprinkled sparsely on white plate. That's for sure. On the other hand, I definitely ate more walnuts than needed and can vaguely remember carrots. I recall the carrots in my burger more so than in this cake. Also, soy milk was a heavy flavor here. Still, I ate the whole slice and wondered if over sugared American lifestyle had tarnished my eagerness to try sugar free dessert.

Doodles of crumb coated plates, sweet guilty pleasures, and adult contemporary music track lists.

A selfie inside space where natural light came shining through. Simplistic aesthetic of the restaurant's interior design provided comfortable, relaxing atmosphere. Plus my funny, inquisitive waitress thought I was spying-- taking a gazillion pictures of food and layout in every single instance. Afterwards, I picked up groceries and traveled three hours back to the hotel, skipping along and taking more photographs.