Statement by Amanda Williams:
For this exhibition, Krista Franklin (www.kristafranklin.com) and I have been exploring notions of excess, value, and altered states of reality in American culture. Our evocative title doesn't do justice to just how far reaching our exploration has been! We've enjoyed the collaborative process, and are excited about the results . We have the thoughtful and astute eye of independent curator, Camille Morgan, as a third voice who will bring our sometimes disparate vantage points into a singular focus! This show will be FUN!
As many of you know, my family members and their related ephemera are often source material for my work. This series is no different.
The unexpected loss of my father last year and the need to use my art making as a way of processing, healing and honoring have served as the undercurrent for this work. While the vibrant, textured oil paintings I've become known for will be a part of the show, I've focused much of my efforts on other media, including paper, acrylic and ice as tools for visually expressing my thoughts about VALUE.
The massive quantities of paper and financial documents my brother and I inherited after closing down my father's 37 year accounting business and cleaning out our childhood home, became a point of departure for a number of the pieces that will be on display.
WARNING: Please note that in fully exploring the messages of contemporary hip-hop, several of the works Krista and I have created have extremely ADULT content that some might not find appropriate for children. These include language, sexuality and drug use. Much of it is presented in a way that questions the intrinsic value of these topics, but it is there nonetheless. I will have my own daughter present, but felt it was important to provide a heads up so that others could make their own decision.
Our exhibit is part of an exciting number of events occurring in October as part of Chicago Artist Month!
http://www.chicagoartistsmonth.org/dreams-jay-z-minor-new-works-amanda-williams-and-krista-franklin