Harlem’s Studio Museum Goes Beyond Its Walls for inHarlem

“Sentra” by artist Kori Newkirk located in St. Nicholas Park

On the heels of announcing a $122 million new design for The Studio Museum in Harlem, which will begin construction as early as 2017, the Museum is broadening its scope beyond its walls, and the entire Harlem community is their palette. For the inHarlem exhibit, four artists were commissioned to create work for four historic Harlem parks. The opening reception was recently held in Marcus Garvey Park. Other parks included in the project are Jackie Robinson Park, St. Nicholas Park, and Morningside Park.

Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber by artist Rudy Shepherd at Jackie Robinson Park

Located near the bandshell in Jackie Robinson Park just north of 145th Street, Rudy Shepherd invites you to step into the arched carved out space within his installation, Black Rock Negative Energy Absorber. You guessed it – get your negative energy absorbed. The sculpture was created to dispel people’s feelings of prejudice, violence, and allow the more compassionate aspects of our personalities to emerge.

Blue sculpture, as part of Kevin Beasley’s installation entitled Who’s Afraid to Listen to Red, Black and Green

Who’s Afraid to Listen to Red, Black and Green by artist Kevin Beasley are a series of three installations, each featuring a color of the African-American flag. The “acoustic mirrors” were created out of red, black and green t-shirts cast in resin. The three installations are set high up within Morningside Park, on a landing best reached from 113th Street and Morningside Drive, a location for contemplation, conversation and planned performances.

Black sculpture, as part of Kevin Beasley’s installation entitled Who’s Afraid to Listen to Red, Black and Green

Red sculpture as part of Kevin Beasley’s installation, Who’s Afraid to Listen to Red, Black and Green

Close-up of the materials used to create Who’s Afraid to Listen to Red, Black and Green – T-shirts cast in resin

Entitled “A particularly elaborate imba yokubikira, or kitchen house, stands locked up while its owners live in diaspora,” this project (below) in Harlem’s Marcus Garvey Park are reminiscent of imba yokubikira (kitchen houses) from Shona-speaking rural areas of Zimbabwe.

They are located on the Madison Avenue side of the park, between 123rd and 124th Streets. They are across from an area in the park known as The Drum Circle, where drummers play every Saturday afternoon, weather permitting. The three installations approximate the scale and texture of an actual imba, with the arrangements in a cluster suggesting community.

Artist Simone Leigh created three structures reminiscent of imba yokubikira (kitchen houses) from rural areas of Zimbabwe

Reflective fringe curtains frame the steps above the entrance to the B/C subway station at 137th Street.  Artist Kori Newkirk created Sentra (below) to be reminiscent of a site for a ceremonial procession.

“Sentra” by artist Kori Newkirk located in St. Nicholas Park

inHarlem is organized by Amanda Hunt, Assistant Curator at Studio Museum in Harlem, in partnership with the NYC Parks, along with the Marcus Garvey Park Alliance. In addition, a collaboration with the New York Public Library will co-present literature and family related programs at the George Bruce branch library on 125th Street in Harlem, including an art-making, storytelling and book signing series, as well as Studio Salon, a series of talks, book clubs and writing workshops for adults. The park installations of inHarlem will be on view through July 25, 2017.

While you’re in Harlem, check out a Forgotten Harlem Renaissance Mural inside the Harlem YMCA, and Secrets of the Apollo Theater. Finally, wander the historic Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Boulevard, which is the site for the African-American Day Parade schedule this year on September 18. You can contact the author at AFineLyne.