Presence and Absence: Representations and Expressions of African and African-American Identity

Top image by Richard Reilly

Critical Mass for the Visual Arts would once again like to express our profound and everlasting thanks to committed panelists Lyndon Barrois Jr., Vanity Gee, Kahlil Irving, Kevin McCoy, Kat Reynolds, and MK Stallings- as well as our facilitator Dani McCoy. Thanks also to St. Louis Artworks (Andrea, Vicki, and Priscilla)  All the Art (a link to the winter edition may be found here) ,Sarah Greisbach, and Ellie Balk

Presence and Absence: Representations and Expressions of African and African-American Identity

This is our seventh Critical Conversation: Presence and Absence: Representations and Expressions of African and African-American Identity. This audience-centered discussion of contemporary and historical means of contextualizing blackness, through art-making, institutions, critique, and community is led by Dani McCoy, and panelists Kahlil Irving, Kat Reynolds, Kevin McCoy, Lyndon Barrois Jr., and MK Stallings . We have worked very closely with the panelists and moderator to create a meaningful forum for engaging with these ideas, and with you- our community. Thanks once again to our thoughtful panelists and moderator for bringing their hearts and minds to bear on this important conversation.

When: December 1, 6:00-8:00 pm

Where: St. Louis Artworks -5959 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63112

Moderator:

Danielle McCoy– One half of WORK/PLAY, an interdisciplinary design duo. Their recent shows include Printmaking in St. Louis at the Sheldon Galleries, Art.Work at Westminster Press, and Empowerpoint at the Luminary.

Panelists:

Lyndon Barrois Jr.– Artist, museum educator, and visual arts professor. His recent exhibitions include For the Benefit of Man at the Garwood Gallery, Float at Fort Gondo Compound for the Arts, and Of Color for the Great Rivers Biennial.

Vanity Gee– Director of Community Programs and Grand Center Operations at Craft Alliance Center of Art + Design , educator, musician, and cultural curator.

Kahlil Irving-Artist and MFA student. Recent shows include Functionality at the Edwardsville Art Center, Yet Unfulfilled at the Reese Gallery, and Designated Areas at the Delmar Loop Gallery.

Kevin McCoy– One half of WORK/PLAY, an interdisciplinary design duo. Their recent shows include Printmaking in St. Louis at the Sheldon Galleries, Art.Work at Westminster Press, and Empowerpoint at the Luminary.

Katherine Reynolds– Artist who specializes in portraiture and architectural photography. Her recent shows include SOFTen at Museum Blue, Ask Her How She’s Doing at Fort Gondo, and The Divide at Blank Space.

MK Stallings– Founder of UrbArts , poet, columnist for the WestWord.com, and co-host of Literature for the Halibut on KDHXtra.

Critical Conversations seeks to spark revolution in the St. Louis Artworld. We aim to strengthen vital connections between individuals, institutions, spaces and creative communities, and to set the stage for profound criticism and discussion on a wide range of topics. We inspire action through increased understanding, agency and accountability among creatives, administrators, academics and critics.