Behind The Emo Show, Vicariously

Just over a year ago, artist and curator Jaishri Abichandani proposed an exhibition for EFA Project Space that would provide a platform for bringing together innovative New York based curators of color who are aware of and respect each other, but do not get the chance to work together collectively. Jaishri’s vision was to invite these curators from various institutions and notorieties, to meet as a committee over a period of time and discuss artwork that they are drawn to on an emotional level. The ultimate aim—to present an exhibition of works that these curators would love to share and support regardless of any cultural, political, or institutional agenda they typically must abide by.

Over the following months, I had the honor of sitting in on this process, getting to know Derrick, Edwin, Jasmine, Jaishri, Maymanah, Raul, and Rocio through the work they brought to the table and discussed. Interestingly, as each curator expanded on the works he or she felt moved by, I observed that choosing work based on emotions brought out their individual personalities. In discussing the nine emotions specified under the ancient Indian Rasa theory (the framework for the exhibition), the curators revealed their seven distinct characters. Of course this is a subjective generalization, but let us just say I feel moved to make such observations, as people’s nature is really what this show is about.

Jaishri Abichandani-- Inspired, driven by powerful intuition

Selections:

Roberto Visani

Ruby ChishtiWilliam Villalongo

Richard Oliver Wilson

Derrick Adams-- Nurturing, personal, attentive

Selections:

Dmitry Mazorov

Shane Aslan SelzerMusa Hixon

Rocío Aranda-Alvarado—Curious, inquisitive, inclusive

Selections: 

Firelei BaezDahlia Elsayed  Wanda Raimundi-OrtizAntonia Perez

Edgar Serrano

Maymanah Farhat-- Pensive, poetic

Selections:

Annabel Daou Kevork MouradSumayyah Samaha

Edwin Ramoran- Vibrant, social, empathetic

Ibrahim Ahmed IIIRafael T. MelendezChitra GaneshLarilyn Sanchez

Jasmine Wahi- Driven by heart, open

Artists selected:

Samira AbbassyJulie HeffernanPetros PappalasHiba Schabhaz

Raul Zamudio- Rigorous, biting wit, sensitively dark

Selections:
Teresa SerranoEmma K. McCaggWojtek Ulrich

 Yes, these characterizations are based on my own emotional response, but what a beautiful and fair picture they paint of a curatorial process. What would an exhibition look like if the curator were always able to tap into these seven distinct aspects of his or her own personality?  A show organized based on intuition and inspiration, nurture and support, curiosity and inquiry, thoughtfulness and depth, vibrancy and social generosity, an open heart, a biting wit—this would be something for everyone to see.

- Michelle Levy, Director, EFA Project Space Program

The Emo Show is on view at EFA Project Space through May 11, 2013