Art makes me teary

I assisted the Meridian International Center with a cultural diplomacy program called "Promoting Tolerance Through the Arts," which brings artists in all media from all over the world to DC to engage in face-to-face dialogue that "foster[s] connections and eradicate[s] preconceived notions that lead to negative perceptions and conflict." The Center believes that:

The Arts provide a universal language, highlighting the commonalities in experience of our shared humanity and fostering communication between people of diverse cultures. As the world becomes more interconnected, it is increasingly important for Americans to develop an understanding of global issues and an enhanced awareness of other cultures. The Arts can promote such insight.

For my part, I put together a short program yesterday of some of the best of DC's art scene, which included a visit to the Dissident Display gallery to see Space Invaders, their strongest exhibit since opening their doors a couple years ago. (The Pink Line project is a proud sponsor!) Space Invaders includes work by DC-based artists Ayodamola Okunseinde, Eric Brewer, Adrian Loving, Holly Bass, Jefferson Pinder, Ayo Ngozi, and John Trevino, and it explores the African diaspora and the stunting effect colonialism has had on artistic expression in African-American contemporary art.

I also asked two of my favorite artists to perform for the group: Holly Bass and Yoko K. They performed a collaborative piece that was so powerful and moving that it literally brought tears to the eyes of the audience. (Including me!) I'm so glad that I get to hang out with these inspiring people. We're going to do a more expanded version of the program on October 3 so check back here later for more info soon!

A little bit about the performing artists:

Holly Bass is a critically acclaimed DC-based performance artist who performs a piece entitled Pay Purview, in which she explores the role of women in commercial hip hop music and videos.

Yoko Kamitani is a gifted musician whose hypnotic musical landscapes won honorable mention at the 6th annual Independent Music Awards. Her current work references "amahoro,” a music composition featuring the vocals sampling of Jean-Paul Samputu (Rwanda) and others on the theme of the Rwanda genocide, and an untitled composition that is a collaborative performance with Issa Nyaphaga (Cameroon) on the theme of intolerance and refuge.