Kimberly Drew (quotes)

  This is what I know about art: (quotes) 

1. "If a race has no history, it has no worth while tradition. It becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world and it stands in danger of being exterminated."-Carter G Woodson

2. "The memory of an ethnographic film makers gaze; haunted me for years, to the point where I began to wonder if I had become paranoid. Those are the moments where I am glad that there are real bars there, those are also the times when even though I know I can get out of the cage, I can never quite escape" -Coco Fusco

3. "During my meeting with Thelma she told me about the consequences of my actions, and generously taught me that my voice was a powerful one. Instead of leading with rage she helped me understand this difficult crossroads, by the end of the meeting she asked me to think deeply about what I wanted to say and more importantly how I wanted it to be interpreted. It was not just enough to be angry, I had to be strategic."- Kimberly Drew

4. "She assured everyone on the tour that we do not have to subscribe to to anyone else's idea of success."-Kimberly Drew

    I chose these quotes because they are incredibly deep and apply to many groups of people, not just  representation of black artist or lack there-of. The first illustrates a concept of erasing history, identity, and culture, this is done everyday by traditional curriculums in many public and private schools through out the United States.  Whether on purpose or not, erasing historical figures and events of diverse background in everyday education diminishes the light and impact these things had. It can be a form of systematic historical and racial extermination. 

    The second quote struck me as a metaphor for the part of us that can never really be erased. One can assimilate and adopt a new way of being, but what makes you different cannot always be hidden or disguised. At times these are physical characteristics such as darker skin, coarse hair, but it can also be parts of our identity such as sexual orientation, gender identity, socio economic status, and lived experiences. These things are part of who we are, and there are many invisible barriers within society that we have to inherently cross or overcome just because of who we are.

    The third quote was chosen because I believe everyones voice is powerful. Many people have the power to impact their life, surroundings and circumstances through the use of their voice. For good or bad harnessing the power you carry as an individual can be monumental in shaping your own reality and influencing others. However as Kimberly Drew mentions, it is not only about what you communicate but how it is communicated, because that will affect the way it is interpreted.  

    The final quote I chose was one that speaks to individual happiness and fulfillment, all too often we are taught that money, power, and  success go hand in hand, and while I do believe all three are important; I don't believe they are the only indicators of success. I think everyone can have different standards of happiness and success. Allowing oneself the freedom to believe that will hopefully create a life aligned with personal values and fulfillment.