The Validation of Art and How Not to Tokenise Collectible Art Due to the Lack of Representation Amongst Your Networks
During this episode Jewell Sparks, Paul Henderson, and Ashara Ekundayo discuss the state of art and inclusion across the globe. They discuss Black artists, youth, the White gaze, it's limitations and more. By discussing trends in the art industry, they address various issues and identify solutions which gallerists, curators, and cultural strategists can take in order to impact the future of art and society. This episode is quite relevant as the BAAR Art Journey and Residency program announces participants throughout the upcoming week who will live and work in Berlin, Germany from October 2 - November 12, 2022. The goal of the program is to enable Black artist equity and generational wealth. This particular episode explores Black culture, the definition of mainstream art, how the art world can become more inclusive, the presentation of Black art, and how it can be packaged, purchased, and collected. They discuss the Influence and power of Black culture and its impacts across the globe.
Cover Art: Christopher Burch, Place is the Space, 2022, Oil enamel paint, 20ft x 40ft
Jewell Sparks: Jewell studied art foundation sculpture and painting simultaneously during her pursuit of a BS degree in molecular biology at Haverford, College. She is currently obtaining her Christie’s Art Business Masterclass Certificate, and is the founder and visionary behind the BAAR Art Journey and Residency program. As a venture capitalist, global innovation strategist, media professional, and diversity, equity and inclusion expert, she has always had a passion for the arts and sciences. Jewell has served on boards for public/private arts, media and community redevelopment initiatives focused on maintaining culture and uplifting communities throughout her entire career. As one of the original Board members of the Museum of the African Diaspora's (MoAD) Vanguard Leadership Council, she was responsible for engaging mainstream networks to artworks of the African Diaspora. While living in SF, sh served as the membership and events chair for the young professional boards of the San Francisco Ballet and San Francisco Symphony. Jewell was the acting VP of Strategic Development for The Jazz Heritage Center (JHC), which was a museum, cultural center, and jazz art gallery (Lush Life Gallery).
Paul Henderson: Paul is the innovative leader of the San Francisco Department of Police Accountability (DPA). Paul contributes weekly as a legal expert and political analyst on television, appearing in more than 500 televised programs on MSNBC, CNN, Fox News, and more. As a collector Paul is focused on art that is intentional about reflecting communities of color with an advocacy lens of social justice. His collection includes works from both emerging artists and notable blue chip luminaries. Henderson has contributed at numerous events addressing both collectors and important art institutions (MoAD 2021, Artbasel 2021, FOG Design = Art2022, Frieze 2022, Christie's 2022).
Ashara Ekundayo: Ashara is an independent curator, artist, cultural theologian, creative industries entrepreneur and organizer working internationally across cultural, spiritual, civic, and social innovation spaces. Her intersectional worldview offers both an Afrofuturist and radical Black feminist framework to the public sector by centering the lives, traditions, and expertise of Black womxn of the African Diaspora. She sits on the Advisory Boards of the Global Fund for Women “Artist Changemaker Program,” San Francisco MoMA SECA Committee, and the Oakland Public Conservatory of Music. In 2019 she founded and currently stewards Artist As First Responder, an organization and 6-point philanthropic, interactive arts platform that reifies artists whose practices heal communities and save lives.
