Wanda's Picks Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2017

This is a black arts and culture site. We will be exploring the African Diaspora via the writing, performance, both musical and theatrical (film and stage), as well as the visual arts of Africans in the Diaspora and those influenced by these aesthetic forms of expression. I am interested in the political and social ramifications of art on society, specifically movements supported by these artists and their forebearers. It is my claim that the artists are the true revolutionaries, their work honest and filled with raw unedited passion. They are our true heroes. Ashay!

1. Rodney Ewing, "Days and Occasions: the Unexpected Griot," at Southern Exposure Gallery in SF. His open studios is Nov. 10-12. Pacific Felt Factory 2830-20th Street #202 San Francisco, CA 94110 www.rodneyewing.com

During the month of September, I have been creating an installation on the front wall of Southern Exposure's gallery. The piece is from ongoing project called "Days and Occasions" where I create a narrative based on observations and conversations that surround me every day. This specific iteration of the work is titled after the traditional West African griots that perform the role of community historians – public speakers or singers of stories documenting local history for social gatherings and public ceremonies. With this installation I am sharing my collection of neighborhood oral information.

Current Exhibits
Djerassi Artist in Residence, Woodside, CA
April 25th through May 23rd 2018

Veteran's Views: Art By Those Who Served, Triton Museum of Art, Santa Clara, CA
November 11th, 2017 through February 4th 2018

Days and Occasions: The Unexpected Griot, Southern Exposure Gallery, San Francisco, CA
October 6th through December 2nd, 2017

Recology Artist in Residence: Recology, San Francisco, CA
October 1st 2017 - January 31st, 2018

Vanishing Point: Three Point Nine Art Collective.  
Katz Synder Gallery, San Francisco, CA


May 7th, 2017 through October 2017 (closed)


2. Doctors Without Borders present: Forced From Home Exhibition Oct. 30-Nov. 5 at Henry J. Kaiser Center (outside). Visit forcedfromhome.com  Interviews with: Luella Smith, MSF Emergency Physician and Otto Gonzalez, MSF Nurse 

3. Jayson Johnson, writer/ director, Redress

Jayson earned an MA in film production from Eastern Illinois University and then took a marketing position working for legendary film director Francis Ford Coppola. Jayson worked on several successful wine and food ventures and then transitioned over to Coppola’s film studio, American Zhttp://tobtr.com/10376085oetrope. Jayson worked under film pioneers Walter Murch, Richard Beggs and Mr. Coppola himself. Jayson took Coppola’s advice to ‘go out and become famous’ and now works as a producer. Jayson works full time as a freelance producer for Strike Five Films.


Visit this link: http://tobtr.com/10376085

Bios:

Luella Smith, MSF Emergency Physician
Luella Smith is an emergency physician who has worked with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) since 2006, including several missions working directly with displaced people. She has worked in Sudan, Niger, Central African Republic, Sri Lanka, Haiti, Cote d'Ivoire, Syria, Philippines, Nigeria, Libya, Jordan, and Yemen. Most recently, Luella was a medical referent for three months in Amran Project, Yemen where MSF was providing care for internally displaced people. Luella lives in New Brunswick, Canada. When not on assignment with MSF, she provides medical care to indigenous populations in Northern Canada. Luella received her medical degree from Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia and her bachelor's from the University of the Philippines.

Otto Gonzalez, MSF Nurse
Otto Gonzalez is a nurse and nursing supervisor who has completed four missions with Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). He has worked in Tanzania, DRC, Chad, and Honduras. Most recently, Otto supervised outpatient services and national staff nursing supervisors for four months in Nduta camp in Tanzania, which supports Burundian refugees. Otto lives in Bay City, Oregon and, when not on assignment with MSF, works as a nurse supervisor at Tillamook County General Hospital. He received his nursing degree from Clatsop Community College.