Artists' Statement

For those who come from an entirely different artistic tradition than the Euro-American one, the current discussions in contemporary art and the machinations of the art market in the United States can feel like an awfully foreign place. It takes much stamina, patience, and dedication to find a sense of legitimacy and value for a practice that does not neatly fit into the dominant categories and criteria of artistic achievement. This has been the struggle of myself, Onajide Shabaka, who has pursued a unique vision of not just an artistic practice but a comprehensive artistic life.

I have forged a path for my artistic interests that challenges the status quo of the mainstream art world, especially the hermeticism and austerity of the white cubic gallery space. At the same time, my work, in its engagement with nature, history, technology, and ritual--allows the viewers to experience a more holistic view of the world.

It has become clear that existing genre categories are inadequate to encompass my ambitions. With an exceptionally broad-based knowledge in contemporary art history, critical theory, as well as anthropology and ethnobotany, I am more prepared for my journey than ever before. I have also integrated my practice with the new cyber-technologies of the internet to create an altogether different form of dialogue and audience around my work.

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