Tuesday, December 31, 2013

XENOBIA BAILEY'S ARTIST TALK IN DUBIA & ARTIST TALK AND EXHIBIT IN SHARJAH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES


Many thanks to the dedicated, President and the Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation 
Sheikha Hoor Al-Qasimi (Who is also a practicing Artist), for inviting Curator Shannon Holdin to install her curated exhibit of the dynamics of the unexposed aesthetic of Funk titled: 
Chaos into Clarity: Re-Possessing a Funktioning Utopia
Featuring at work by
Moroccan born photographer and designer: Hassan Haijaj
British Trinidadian filmmaker and sculptor Zak Ove
Seattle, Brooklyn, Harlem USA Fiber Artist Xenobia Bailey
Many thanks to the staff, security guards and everyone in and around the Sharjah Art Foundation for making my artist visit an educational and inspirational experience that will continue to unfold endless tomorrows. 
This is my artist talk to a group of people in Dubai at the Archives... I am talking about the evolution on the under valued and under appreciated aesthetic of Funk that was cultivated by the domestic skills of the African American Homemaker since Emancipation Proclamation.

To farther understand this aesthetic and share it's inspirational properties with the world, there has to be a in-depth research of the African American unassimilated lifestyle and home in the rural and inner cities of North America, by the members of the household.

In the image above I am speaking about African American Painter/Installation artist: Mickalene Thomas use of her mother, and the aesthetic of her mother as her muse by recreating landscapes and interiors of of sitting rooms inspired by her mothers aesthetic.  

"Through elaborate paintings and installations, Mickalene Thomas honors powerful women and constructs luxe interiors with layers of rhinestones, acrylic, and enamel. Engaging inspiration from art historical sources—among them Henri Matisse, Romare Bearden, and Pop Art—Thomas introduces a complex femininity and expands conventional notions of beauty into incisively glamorous territory."
This image may be a little hard to see,... but... this is a photograph of students at a Black A & M (Agricultural & Mechanical) College at the turn of the 19th Century. 

What I am focusing on is, the oversight of the authentic African American aesthetic of Funk in Design, and the absence of the development of a material culture, and written visual design philosophy, for the development and enhancement of homes, businesses and communities.  That comes from the cultural experience and imagination that is a unique cultural contribution from the African American community to humanity.

This is a Artist Talk at The University of Sharjah, College of Fine Arts & Design. Here I am speaking about the migration of the Moors from Spain to the United States before the Atlantic Slave Trade in North America.

This is an example of the early development of the aesthetic of Funk in a African American House Hold. you can see the walls covered with newspaper that is composed into a on gong collage/mural.

Also the quilt on the bed... This is a situation of a homemaker maintaining a harmonious household and not aware of the beautiful ambiance that is created by the composition of the artifacts.
Talking to students after artist talk.

Visitors to the Exhibit at the Sharjah Art Foundation.


Hassan Haijaj's Dynamically Funky Tea Salon, brilliantly made from recycled materials


A view of the stunning "TIME MACHINE" art work by Zak Ove
Closer view of "The Time Machine,
Sistah Paradise barefoot and in full regalia.

Sistah Paradise's Mystic Domain installation.














Sunday, December 22, 2013

FUNKY CHIC, URBAN ELEGANT, WOOL, TAPESTRY CROCHET, UNISEX CROWNS BY INTERNATIONAL FIBER-ARTIST XENOBIA BAILEY


Greetings All and welcome to my blog.... I'd like to share with you these images of my urban sophisticated crochet cloche are totally created by me, International Fiber Artist (Xenobia Bailey)... The materials are natural yarns made with 85% worsted lambs wool and 15% rabbit mohair with rows of 9mm or 6mm glass beads from the Czech Republic. 

Since 1986 these chic urban wear crochet crown/hats have evolved with time, for the past 27 years. Since the beginning of Hip-hop and Spike Lee's 40 Acres and a Mule Film Production, and the pages of ELLE Magazine when it first came to America, these Funky Fly, Tapestry Crochet Crown/hats have Rocked-Steady without missing a Beat... for almost 3 decades these crown/hats have adorned some of the noblest heads in and out of the country.

That's what make them the perfect accessory for the creative/artist/unique/expressive individual during the cold winter days and evenings. These stylish creations are great fun for active outdoor winter sports, figure ice skaters. football spectating, shopping and running errands... and for those who must be dolled-up on ski parties, this is the special touch to top off any outfit... They are long lasting, so they make wonderful family heirlooms to be a part of family stories and photo albums.

Each crochet cloche comes with a artist signed and dated note card of authentication of the crochet work for the serious art collectors, that includes the hat images in the promotional digital collaged art work as seen in this blog. (Authentication card does not include image of live model).  

 
This is the perfect cold weather Tapestry Crochet, Wearable Art, Crown/Hat for attending the College Arts Association 102 Annual Conference in Chicago, February 12 - 15, 2014.

A necessary winter wear accessory for Art Historians, Art Scholars, Art Teacher, Art Collectors, Artist Poet, Writer, Musician, Dancer, Singer, Doctor, Lawyer, Mom, Dad and the rest of the Super-Natural Everyday People Crew.

Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teachers, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for the purchase of this tapestry crochet work of art crown/hats.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173587540/funky-chic-winter-wear-lambs-wool?ref=listing-shop-header-3
Size 22" Head
Price $125.00

 
Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats.
Size 22" Head
Price $150.00
 
Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats.
Size 22" Head
Price $165.00
 
Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173581320/funky-chic-winter-wear-lambs-wool?ref=shop_home_active
Size 22" Head
Price $155.00
Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats. 
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/173582530/funky-chic-winter-wear-lambs-wool?ref=shop_home_active
Size 22" head
Price $125.00
 
Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats.
Size 22" head
Price $125.00
 

Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173584790/funky-chic-winter-wear-lambs-wool?ref=shop_home_active
Size 22" head
Price $150.00
Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats. 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173600109/funky-chic-winter-wear-lambs-wool?ref=shop_home_active
Size 22" head
Price $165.00
Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats. 
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173601015/funky-chic-winter-wear-lambs-wool?ref=shop_home_active
Size 22" Size
Price $150.00

Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats. 
Size 22" Head
Price $150.00



Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats.
https://www.etsy.com/listing/173601519/funky-chic-winter-wear-lambs-wool?ref=shop_home_active
Size 22" head
Price $125.00


Every Art Student, Artist, Art Teacher, College Arts Association Member, National Art Education Association Member and United Scenic Artists Local USA 829 Union Members will receive a 10% discount for purchase of any tapestry crochet works of art crown/hats. 
 https://www.etsy.com/listing/173587372/funky-chic-winter-wear-lambs-wool?ref=shop_home_active
Price $125.00
Visit xenba.etsy.com

Thank you




Price $135.00
Visit xenba.etsy.com


Thank you


https://www.etsy.com/listing/174550374/urban-classic-tapesty-crochet-wool-hat?ref=listing-shop-header-3


Price $125.00
Visit xenba.etsy.com

Thank you



https://www.etsy.com/listing/174563949/regal-tapestry-crochet-cochet-for?ref=listing-shop-header-2


Price $135.00
Visit xenba.etsy.com

Thank you



  https://www.etsy.com/listing/174569477/regal-tapestry-cochet-beaded-hat-for?ref=listing-shop-header-1


Price $135.00
Visit xenba.etsy.com

Thank you










Wednesday, November 20, 2013

XENOBIA BAILEY IN FUNKTIONING GROUP EXHIBIT AT THE SHARJAH ART FOUNDATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES


http://www.sharjahart.org/exhibitions-events/current-upcoming-events/chaos-into-clarity-re-possessing-a-funktioning-ut

THANK  YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU..!!!! 
PRESIDENT OF THE SHARJAH ART FOUNDATION: 
SHEIKHA HOOR AL-QASIMI FOR INVITING CURATOR SHANNON HOLDEN AND HER CURATED ARTIST TO EXHIBIT AND BE PART OF THE SHARJAH ART FOUNDATIONS HISTORY... 
THANK YOU EVER SO MUCH FOR YOUR KINDNESS AND BRILLIANT VISION AND THE DEDICATED 
HANDS-ON LEADERSHIP THAT YOU DISPLAY AT THE SHARJAH ART FOUNDATION. YOUR EVERY TOUCH MAKES A WORLD OF A DIFFERENCE. 
YOUR CULTURAL CONTRIBUTIONS AND EFFORTS WILL DEFINITELY BE FELT AROUND THE WORLD FOR EVER, IN A VERY HEART WARMING, INSPIRING AND UP-LIFTING WAY.

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH TO THE AMAZING STAFF AR THE SHARJAH ART FOUNDATION IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATE FOR PLAYING SUCH A MAJOR PART IN THE PRODUCTION OF A LIVING-DREAM IN THE FORM OF A GROUP EXHIBIT... AND THANK YOU "BIG-TIME" FOR BEING SO VERY PLEASANT TO WORK WITH (I never had an experience like this ever in my life... Thank  you..!!!).



THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH SHANNON HOLDEN FOR ASKING ME TO BE A PART OF THIS LIFE ALTERING EXPERIENCE... AND (AS I SEE IT) A VERY IMPORTANT EXHIBIT... 
THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFTED EYE, YOUR PASSION, (your driving me to Dance to your Music Wink, Wink..!!!)  YOUR PRIDE AND GRACE THAT IS BRINGING THE HARMONY OF AFRICAN CULTURE TO THE GRAND ARENA OF THE HUMAN EXPERIENCE.

BLESSINGS TO YOU ALL.... I WILL WRITE YOU ALL SOON.

"STANDING FIRM, KEEPING MY DREAM ALIVE AND I'M PRESSING ON TO PARADISE"

(I will also add the full text to this post as soon as I find another few minutes to write...)

THE HOSPITALITY ON THIS FLIGHT WAS FIRST CLASS IN COACH... HER THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT IS PASSING OUT WARM WET WASH CLOTHES FOR US TO REFRESH OURSELVES.

HERE THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT IS PASSING OUT TOYS TO THE CHILDREN... I WANTED ONE..!!!

THIS IS THE STAIRWAY TO THE FIRST CLASS SECTION ON THE EMIRATES AIRLINE... I HEARD THEY HAVE A SPA UP THERE.


THIS IS THE COACH SECTION OF THE EMIRATES AIRLINE... IT SEEMED LIKE FIRST CLASS TO ME.

MY ARRIVAL IN THE DUBAI AIRPORT AND WALKING ON THE MARBLE FLOOR.

THE LOVELY DUBAI AIRPORT







UN PACKING MY ART WORK... READY TO INSTALL THE WORK.

THE PAINTED WALLS IN THE SHARJAH ART FOUNDATION. READY FOR ME TO INSTALL MY ART WORK. THE INSTALLATION CREW FOR THIS INSTALLATION WERE MASTERFUL AND THE BEST TO WORK WITH

THE VIEW OF THE GALLERY OF HASSAN HAIJAJ BEAUTIFUL RECYCLED TEA SALON INSTALLATION,  ZAK OVE'S BRILLIANT SCULPTURE "THE TIME MACHINE".... AND THE PURPLE PLATFORMS WAITING FOR MY INSTALLATION.












A TIN CONTAINER OF MY BRAND OF TEA



























THE INSTALLATION IS ALMOST FINISHED... CONGRATS TO THE CURATOR SHANNON HOLDEN.... STUNNING EXECUTION...!!!

ABOUT 4 HOURS BEFORE THE OPENING OF THE EXHIBIT, I WAS MAKING FLOWERS OUT OF NEWSPAPER BECAUSE CUSTOMS WOULD NOT ALLOW FOR THE BRANCHES OF COTTON THAT WAS COMING FROM THE UNITED STATES TO BE BROUGHT INTO DUBAI.






OPENING NIGHT: A TRUE MIND BLOWING EXPERIENCE...!!!

I CAN'T REMEMBER A THING I SAID...!!

















HAVING TEA & ENJOYING EACH OTHERS COMPANY IN THE FUNKY RECYCLED TEA SALON INSTALLATION.


LISTENING TO ONE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH ART STUDENTS IN THE FUNKY TEA SALON.


SISTAH PARADISE'S PARADISE CONSTRUCTION SITE IN THE AESTHETIC OF FUNK.

SISTAH PARADISE AND THE RECYCLED NEWSPAPER ROSES.



SISTAH PARADISE & THE YOUNG WOMAN

THE DOOR TO THE COURT YARD OF THE RESIDENCE FOR THE ARTIST...

A SETTING AREA IN THE ARTIST RESIDENCE COURT YARD.


THE COURT YARD


MY RESIDENCE AT THE SHARJAH ART FOUNDATION...!!!



THIS IS THE UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH: COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN WERE I GAVE ONE OF MY ARTIST TALK.

STUDENTS LEAVING THE BUILDING.

UNIVERSITY OF SHARJAH: COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN THE ENTRANCE AND THE STUDENTS WORK.


PAINTING IN THE SHARJAH ART MUSEUM THAT WAS ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE ARTIST RESIDENCE, WHICH WAS VERY ENCHANTING SEEING THESE PAINTINGS OF RUINS AND THE PEOPLE CONDUCTING THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE.

































THIS IS ONE OF DUBAI'S SHOPPING MALLS... IT IS SAID TO BE THE LARGEST SHOPPING MALL IN THE WORLD...

MORE IMAGES OF THE SHOPPING MALL IN DUBAI...









THIS IS THE AQUARIAN IN THE DUBAI SHOPPING MALL... IT IS SAID TO BE THE BIGGEST AQUARIAN IN THE WORLD... DO YOU SEE THE SHARK SWIMMING WITH ALL THOSE OTHER FISH..????

THE MOST ENTICING CHOCOLATE STORE I EVER DID SEE IN MY LIFE IN THE MALL








THE VERCASE STORE IN THE DUBAI MALL... VERY FITTING I MUST SAY...