On Honoring the Diaspora of Blackness and Creating with Curiosity: Ibeyi Anga and Whitney Hamilton
This summer, we’re checking in with our members and friends on the meaning of abundance.
In anticipation of the second annual BLACK ART WKND, we are highlighting two curators from OF COLOR — Ibeyi Anga and Whitney Hamilton, as they explore the vastness of this year's theme, ALL KINDS OF BLACK. Curators Ibeyi and Whitney share their artistic processes, how they unearth inspiration, and staying present through sustainable practice. For more details on BLACK ART WKND, see here.
Meet Ibeyi AnGa.
Ibeyi Anga is a curator that resides in the here and now. Her works are based on creative and cultural initiatives curating, producing, and the allowance of various art styles.
She is interested in interdisciplinary approaches to life and form expression. Her most recent curatorial project draws inspiration from Igbo cosmology, N’anya Chi which translates to “see through gods eyes”.
In 2021, she founded Anga Haus, a collective whose mission is to celebrate life through ubiquitous forms of expression.
“ …there is no shortage of creative input/energy in this world.”
No. 1 — In your own words, who are you, and what do you do?
My name is Ibiye Anga and my mission is to be present, perceive, and create. I embrace and respect change as a major constant in my life and I am able to participate actively by curating and creating art experiences for and within my community.
No. 2 — What does abundance look like to you?
Abundance to me looks like the endless inspired thoughts and actions that create this reality. It is in alignment and respect for the idea that there is no shortage of creative input/energy in this world.
No. 3 — How does your art celebrate blackness?
My art celebrates blackness by existing in this time and space. Life as a black woman is a celebration with every expression. My art celebrates blackness by existing in its full spectrum and ubiquitous nature.
No. 4 — Describe your creative process. How do you get from ideation to completion when it comes to art-making? When does something feel finished to you?
My creative process consists of allowing my curiosity to take charge of my life experience. I find that whenever I’m in a new environment physically or non-physically, I am supplied with a barrage of inspired thoughts. I make sure I write these down when they come so I can ACT on them. Acting on these ideas is the most rewarding part of my creative process because it allows me to think in ways I haven’t before and it’s a new adventure every time. My work/art lets it be known when it feels satisfied with the stage it is at. Sometimes it’s completion, and other times it's a prelude to another piece.
No. 5 — Tell us when/where you were when the inspiration struck for one of your pieces?
I’ve come to appreciate life as the ultimate form of material for inspiration. For my curatorial piece titled “narration”, it came by listening to my artists' processes and understanding that everything comprises of storytelling. Other times, it comes through dreams, media, colors, etc really anything/everything in this experience.
No. 6 — What are a few ways you cultivate abundance in your daily life?
Gratitude truly is the attitude - for the moments, relationships, and experiences of my daily missions.
No. 7 — How do you navigate creating a sustainable life (emotionally, financially, practically, socially, etc.) for yourself as an artist? What practices or routines keep you in balance?
I create a sustainable life for myself by challenging repeated patterns/paradigms. The overarching theme that rules my life is understanding that things can only get better. This allows me to embrace and anticipate change by questioning everything. One of my favorite practices is recording thoughts and moments by journaling (visual or audio).
Meet Whitney Hamilton.
Whitney Hamilton, a Chicago native, has always had a passion for curating experiences and spaces for people who looked like her, in order to discard that uncomfortable feeling of knowing you may be the only Black person, or person of color in general, in the room.
She has a Bachelors in both African American Studies and Gender & Women Studies and has worked at the DuSable Museum of African American Studies in Chicago. There she was able plan meaningful programs and events and assist with exhibitions to provide memorable experiences to those wanting to celebrate and experience Black culture.
As a recent Austin transplant, she is ready to take that drive for helping the Black community as she did in Chicago through a creative lens.
No. 1 — In your own words, who are you and what do you do?
In short: I'm a Black woman who is forever curious and loves to have a thoughtful experience. I love connecting with people and building relationships and then connecting those people to other people so that they can create great things.
No. 2 — What does abundance look like to you?
Abundance looks like joy, appreciation, and happiness. In a world where I live as a Black woman, these 3 things are something that I don't take for granted because I may not receive it.
No. 3 — How does your art celebrate blackness?
I don't create art myself, but I love and appreciate it and the people who do create it. I'm actually beginning my own personal art collection and I want to celebrate blackness with my collection being a majority of Black artists. For me, Black art is beautiful and it isn't always expected. As a child, I didn't even know Black people could be artists because of what was taught in school and what was on display in museums and art galleries. Now, I want to be able to celebrate the creativity and the different mediums of Black artists. So, though I'm not a creator myself, I want to be able to celebrate them by supporting them and sharing their work with my network through my own collection.
No. 4 — Describe your creative process. How do you get from ideation to completion when it comes to art-making? When does something feel finished to you?
I think I struggle with this. The ideation comes easily because a lot of my ideas for storytelling come from my lived experiences or the experiences of those close to me and what may be missing. What is something that I can enjoy? The completion is the problem. I think that it is living and breathing so would it ever be complete? But also, that is why I love the relationships that I build. They help me. I don't always know how to put my ideas into action and what that looks like so having people around me that do know and that know how to keep me grounded and not spiral is key.
No. 5 — Tell us when/where you were when the inspiration struck for one of your pieces?
Speaking specifically about curating the theme 'All Kinds of Black Women', I initially didn't know what theme I was going to pick. One day a few weeks ago, as I was scrolling on social media, I kept seeing a common theme when it came to Black women: Tired. I wanted to use the lens of my artists to tell the story of Black Women, but I wasn't sure exactly how. A few days later, I was watching Waiting to Exhale and though it was focused mainly on the story of 4 friends and their romantic relationships, don't all Black women currently, want to take a moment to exhale? That's the story I wanted to tell. Black women experience all of these things, but they still move forward. They still are trying to find ways to find joy and find beauty to their personal standards.
No. 6 — What are a few ways you cultivate abundance in your daily life?
Something else I'm struggling with especially when I let the external world get in the way. I try to pause, reflect on what I could do to cultivate abundance, add some joy to my day, and allow myself grace. Getting outside every day is a must. Even if it's just for 15 minutes. I love the sun and the Austin sun makes itself known, especially now (hahaha). Listening to music, especially on my vinyl player. The process of being intentional and gentle in getting a record, placing it, and enjoying the sounds....it's meditative in a sense.
INTERESTED IN _OF COLOR?
Here’s more info on Black Art WKND.
Black Art WKND is an annual arts showcase and experience produced by _OF COLOR to platform Black creators and curators in Austin, Texas.
In 2022, Black Art WKND popped up from June 9 to 11, with installations and collaborations across the city. This year’s theme, ALL KINDS OF BLACK, is meant to highlight the people, places and practices of Black culture through various art forms and music.
Black is Scarred.
Black is Complex.
Black is Nuanced.
Black is Beautiful.
“Too often, the Black existence is surveilled and scrutinized, rather than celebrated. ALL KINDS OF BLACK will tell our story — from the Hood, to the Burbs, to the Diaspora. Black is everything and also the great nothingness from which all life is born. Limitless. As expansive as the universe.”
And here’s how you can get involved.
“Follow us and share our content on Instagram (@_ofcoloratx)! Our organization is 100% volunteer-led from top to bottom, so we are always happy to welcome energized folks into our community. We believe creativity comes in many forms and all are needed in our mission to build a coalition of creatives of color. Whether your creativity lies in design, curation, project management, copywriting, etc, we probably have a project you could contribute to. We’re also always looking for fiscal sponsors to help support our mission and experiences.
If you’re interested in volunteering, contact volunteer@ofcolor.org. (If you’re interested in sponsoring our experiences, contact marissa@ofcolor.org.)”
Want to stay involved through Future Front?
Keep up with what we’re up to—from virtual events to membership—here.
This interview was compiled and written by Future Front Communications Fellow, Willow Beauchamp.