Opening reception of Photobooth, an exhibition by Erin Kendrick
207 N Laura St #300
Jacksonville, FL 32202
USA
A panel discussion titled Representation Matters: Branded Blackness will begin at 6:15 p.m.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION: Photobooth seeks to explore how black women are reclaiming and renaming their blackness. According to the artist’s statement, “Branded blackness has been exploited and marketed in popular culture – this shift is profitable and continues to be touted as innovative, while giving little to no credit to its origins. The way we wear our blackness is more than just the caricature-like mimicking often seen in mainstream culture. We are paying homage to our history and distinctive styles and characteristics. In many ways, we are resurrecting our authentic selves.”
ABOUT THE PANEL: Representation Matters: Branded Blackness will feature several prominent black women from the Jacksonville community. Moderated by Shawana Brooks, Arts & Culture Developer for the Jacksonville Public Library, the panelists include Erin Kendrick, exhibiting artist and arts educator; Dr. JeffriAnne Wilder, Social Scientist, National Center for Women & Information Technology; and Henny Stewart, local media personality.
ABOUT THE ARTIST: Erin Kendrick is a visual artist, arts educator, and advocate for girls and women, who’s color-rich, acrylic ink-stained works of art seek to inspire a dialogue about contemporary spectatorship and the power of language. She has exhibited work in museums, galleries and alternative spaces throughout the southeastern United States. After receiving her formal art training at Florida State University (BFA, Studio Art, 1999) and Georgia State University (MFA, Drawing & Painting, 2003), she worked for many years as a Studio Artist and Arts Educator in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2009, she relocated back to her hometown of Jacksonville to further her career as an Arts Educator and Graphic Designer.
She is currently an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Art & Design at the University of North Florida, a Creative Leader at Jacksonville Art & Music School, and was recently an Artist-in-Residence at Brentwood Elementary School of the Arts through the Lift Every Student initiative sponsored by the Cathedral Arts Project and the Cultural Council of Jacksonville. She was also a 2017 Community First Foundation Artist Grant recipient. Erin is the owner of Erin is Creative LLC, and maintains a studio at CoRK Arts District in Jacksonville, Florida.
