Aoko—born away from home

September 19 - November 16, 2024
Opening Reception: September 19, 6-8 PM

Artists
Alex Mari
Coralina Rodriguez Meyer
Hidemi Takagi
Keren Benbenisty
Natalia Nakazawa
Oliwia Bosomtwe
Renée Cox

Curator: Klaudia Ofwona Draber

What does “folklore” mean to us, the multi-racial nomads? When we migrate, what we are able to bring with us is a reduced version of our past. The “things'' that give us comfort once the border is crossed are mythologies, music, and fabrics that remind us of the warmth of our home. What stays with us is “contemporary folklore,” the way we build our lives carried by the rootedness of our body memory, whether lived or passed on through generations. Multi-racial people are constantly being asked “Where are you really from?” and their identity gets threatened. We keep perfecting the language we use to describe ourselves. It gets confusing at times, it gets easier with time. Contemporary folk is finding ways to feel 100/100–a concept introduced by artist Natalia Nakazawa. Being multi-racial does not mean we are 50% or less of each culture, it means we are 100% each culture. In Aoko—born away from home, seven artists who are either multi-racial or have multi-racial children, explore what it means to find your tribe, especially when you are “born away from home.”

Public Programs: All events are free and open to the public unless otherwise mentioned.

**Opening Reception and Welcome by Isabel Umali**
Thursday, September 19, 6-8 PM

Join us at the opening reception with an introduction by Isabel Umali, dance artist and embodied therapist. At 7pm Isabel will lead an introduction rooted in the body to invite sensorial awareness, ignite imagination, and interwoven thought. We can rest our conceptual understanding of what it means to "be multi-racial" and engage with the lived experience and expression of the artists.

In person at EFA Project Space
323 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018
Free and open to the public

Double Bass Performance by Kuba Dworak
Saturday, October 19, 5-6 PM

Join us for a solo concert with Kuba Dworak, the internationally acclaimed classically trained jazz double bassist from Poland. Kuba’s performance will anticipate his upcoming solo album that pays homage to his roots in Southeastern Poland through innovative solo double bass arrangements. Drawing inspiration from the traditional folk music of Małopolska and Podkarpacie, regions deeply connected to his family's heritage, Kuba blends folk melodies of his grandfather’s time with contemporary jazz interpretations. This autoethnographic work keeps memories alive, and elevates the rich and hyper-local cultural traditions to an international stage.

In person at EFA Project Space
323 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018
Free and open to the public

IDENTITIES: Get Together! Catalog Launch & Panel Discussion
Thursday, November 7, 6-8 PM

Join us for a gathering, panel discussion, and catalog launch with Aoko exhibition artists: Natalia Nakazawa, Coralina Rodriguez Meyer, and Hidemi Takagi

In person at EFA Project Space
323 W 39th St, New York, NY 10018
Free and open to the public