WE ARE HERE and HOME

These two works are an expression of urban living and relationships, particularly in apartment
buildings. In New York City we are part of an extraordinarily diverse community and consider ourselves informed, caring and compassionate. I am questioning how much do we genuinely understand the about the cultural, racial, rituals, and beliefs of our neighbors, co-workers and friends?

Are we aware of the challenges, fears, entitlements, assumptions, achievements, tendencies and preferences of “Those” people? Why are Muslim folks viewed disdainfully? What considerations do undocumented residents deal with on a daily basis? What inaccurate stereotypes are attributed to our Asian neighbors? Why are “White People” accused of being entitled, ignorant or arrogant? How does racism and profiling manifest a daily basis? Did you realize there are 33 Latin American countries each with a distinct history and culture speaking a particular variation of Spanish or Portuguese? Why do some people speak louder when communicating with a person with an accent? What safety measures does a same gender couple need in place? Why is there minimal socializing between blue collar workers and “highly educated” professionals? What do you assume about a person regarding their religion or political affiliations?

Is it natural to live 5 feet away from someone and not know their name or anything essential about them? and most importantly: What is it that we don’t know we don’t know?

At nine years old I earnestly explained to my friends that I needed a store bought jump rope with wooden handles because the clothesline typically used for Double Dutch reminded me of lynchings. 

As a biracial, multiethnic, American youngster in an activist African-Russian-Jewish-Caribbean family I developed a formidable interior dialogue that reflected my diverse heritage. While growing up in New York City I studied, explored and played in a community of widely varied backgrounds. I was exposed to a world of both complicated racial, class and ethnic conflicts and integrated harmony. I was intrigued by the cultural differences between my classmates, friends and neighbors and simultaneously aware of the danger of identity ignorance. 

My mother cautioned me that being an African American Jewish female is automatic grounds for marginalization in the United States of America. I decided that the role of victim was unacceptable. While studying at the High School of Music and Art, I realized I could be creative instead of reactive. I decided art making could be my constructive vehicle of experimentation, exploration, communication and courage! While living abroad I extended my perspective into a global point of view .