Kara Walker: Starting Out | Art21 "Extended Play"

Episode #207: From her New York City studio, Kara Walker reflects on her early success and offers advice to the next generation of artists. Walker received widespread attention after being included in a group exhibition at The Drawing Center in New York City in 1994, not long after graduating from the Rhode Island School of Design in Providence, Rhode Island. Walker remained in Providence until she “felt ready” to make the move to New York.
However, “When I came to the City,” she says, “I felt like my newly forming ego and sense of self was just torn to shreds.” Through scholarly positions held at Columbia University and Rutgers University, Walker saw the many challenges that young artists faced and encouraged them to take responsibility for changing negative conditions in the art world.
Walker is shown in New York City installing cut paper silhouettes and framed paintings at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. in 2013 and visiting the gallery’s booth at the 2014 Frieze Art Fair, where she is accompanied by her mother.
Kara Walker explores the raw intersection of race, gender, and sexuality in her work, crafting vivid psychological narratives from a contemporary perspective on historical conditions. Over the past two decades, Walker has unleashed the traditionally Victorian medium of the silhouette onto the walls of the gallery, creating immersive installations that envelop the viewer. Walker's multi-media work-which includes drawing, watercolor, video, and sculpture-often reconsider grotesque caricatures, probing their persistence in popular culture and reclaiming their subjugating power to alternative ends.
Learn more about the artist at:
art21.org/arti...
CREDITS: Producer: Ian Forster. Consulting Producer: Wesley Miller & Nick Ravich. Interviewer: Ian Forster. Camera: Ian Forster, Nick Ravich, Rafael Salazar & Ava Wiland. Sound: Ava Wiland. Editor: Morgan Riles. Artwork Courtesy: Kara Walker & Sikkema Jenkins & Co. Additional Photography Courtesy: Andrea Guermani & Kara Walker. Special Thanks: Scott Briscoe, Cindy Daignault & Frieze Art Fair. Theme Music: Peter Foley.
"Extended Play" is supported, in part, by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; 21c Museum Hotel, and by individual contributors.
#KaraWalker #Art21 #Art21ExtendedPlay

[@hozmessianicministries1484]

MY GOD, This WOMAN IS AMAZING. UNBELIEVEABLE.

[@deniseallen3379]

To me, MS. WALKER, is the greatest artist living today.

[@bartbarnes9596]

Why?

[@blackerpanther3329]

Bart Barnes because she’s black

[@blackerpanther3329]

So many blacks are so racist

[@unapprovedtruth7116]

To you and you alone

[@DatDemonLadyRose666]

I agree, Walker is an amazing artist and should be celebrated for her success, she creates such innovative work and displayes each piece in fun and fascinating ways, People who comment, saying her art isn't art, obviously doesn't know what the art world is actually about, and to this, I say, learn more and be more open minded

[@kayfey9544]

I like how she said that you start changing the art world by being in it. And if you can't make it in one way, then you try another, and don't think about it as a demotion. I like that. I want to work in comics because that's where my heart is, and yet, I've had others say, "That's a step-down."

[@kiralynae6998]

I really like that thought too! Presence is revolutionary. How wonderful for everyone to remember. Good luck in your comic endeavors!

[@Dimensions100]

+Kay Fey I know how you feel! I also like comics (manga).

[@art21org]

"There's no diploma in the world that declares you as an artist-it's not like becoming a doctor. You can declare yourself an artist and then figure out how to be an artist." -Kara Walker In a new episode from the ART21 "Exclusive" series, artist Kara Walker reflects on her early success and offers advice to the next generation of artists, shown again recent work at Sikkema Jenkins & Co. and the 2014 Frieze Art Fair. #karawalker #art #art21

[@nathalieduverna6963]

I adore her pieces.

[@elvisalaton1984]

The same like henri matisse ♥️

[@champagnepaci]

This is one of the only artists talks that I have ever seen where the artist sounds like they are being genuine and speaking nothing but truth. Hats off to Kara Walker, an incredible artist and genuine person.

[@ladygirlblah]

Omg, I have massive debt from a Bachelors in Art...Kara Walker speaks the truth. And the hump I am trying to get over is sustaining myself with art. Do I have to settle for kitschy subjects that are easier to sell? Or make what I want but remain entrenched in debt?

[@Dimensions100]

+ladygirlblah You might wanna get another job? Art is a dog eat dog world. My dad is afraid of me pursuing it for this very reason...

[@ladygirlblah]

+Dimensions100 I do have a full time job.

[@blackerpanther3329]

Art should be a hobby unless you’re very good at it or are very lucky like Kara

[@TheCreativeAutistic37]

artist too artist i find it great you are pushing for your dreams i am a graphic designer but i also draw abstract have you heard of www.patreon.com/ its free too sign up i have one too also would you like too see a piece of my art that was inspired by kara walker? www.sendspace.com/file/yi3mrs

[@mrebholz]

Your pieces need to be big enough to be recognisable and distinct enough to stand out and you need to use your mouth to tell your story; those are the ingredients to become part of the currency on the art market, where the rich park their money.

[@Miztammik]

i went to the moma museum in new york, never heard of her until i came across one of her pieces and it took me to a place i had never been before. As a 3rd year illustration student, i really look up to her. she just makes sense.

[@gravesbruce]

Her work is nice, but this also shows how random and arbitrarily political gaining success in the art world can be.

[@kayfey9544]

I like how she said that you start changing the art world by being in it. And if you can't make it in one way, then you try another, and don't think about it as a demotion. I like that. I want to work in comics because that's where my heart is, and yet, I've had others say, "That's a step-down."

[@sculpypuego2117]

Do the work that makes YOU happy dont listen to others when it comes to what you believe is the right thing to do

[@TheCreativeAutistic37]

i was introduced to kara walker's art when i was studying graphic design in college saw her work on a field trip and was very impressed! maybe it has alot of do in my passion for black history and how i feel racism/prejudice of any kind needs too end from artist to artist this is what it is too ;put your heart and soul into something i dont understand how some people can be offended she makes what her heart and soul wants her too make she does a beautiful job she is so beautiful and talented so kara walker is one of my biggest inspirations she inspired me too make this picture on day she does way better but thought you would like too see my piece anyhow www.sendspace.com/file/yi3mrs www.sendspace.com/file/yi3mrs You may share my art with your friends/family but dont try too claim my art as your own. you can use my image for anything other that profit gain so you may use it for promtoinal groups and things also if you have a civils activist you would like too see for a collage just leave a comment on one of my KZbin VIDEOS - I can also do a Video of a Civil rights activst just again comment on one of my KZbin videos. Tell me a song you want me too use in the video request

[@AprilMartinChartrandMS]

Kara will be in San Francisco 2024 exhibiting their work at SFMOMA. Wow...Can't wait

[@KP-ul2ep]

Such an interesting artist. I've seen a few interviews of her a few months ago.

[@ie2693]

hmmm ok

[@10231898]

Love the threeD stand up delicate figures with such deep messages.

[@DatDemonLadyRose666]

As a young aspiring artist myself, Walker makes amazing points about the art world, especially the diploma point where she explains being an artist is nothing like getting a diploma as a doctor, you can call yourself and artist and learn about being an artist... This is an amazing statement, and really pushes the point that when you become an artist, you don't instantly know everything, throught your life you will continue learning new and fascinating things, I feel like Walkers view of the art world is innovative and curiouse, she's deffinately an acceptional artist

[@shaunm9025]

Lupe.

[@fundisto1033]

Thank you Lupe, for bringing me here.

[@emiliocorti6080]

seriously a very good talk!!!

[@jordank9890]

Anyone else seen nick young?

[@TriWahyu-g8w]

❤

[@seesay9000]

Awesome.

[@RoseAngella]

Watching BBC News 8/6/19 , 6= June to our America & others, 😜 -talking about Faith Ringgold’s first exhibition in England and was curious to know more. Tapped her name into search engine and I was introduced to African-American artists that I never knew existed. Kara Walker is my third artist on my road to wonderful discoveries. 💚

[@_Maya_Andrea]

I love her work so much! Thank you!

[@nbuffon]

soooooo apperceive of the vulnerability of this interview what an amazing artist

[@celiebreedlove]

what is that roller she's using that has adhesive on it??

[@faustlacrimosa]

I am trying to figure that out as well, i need that in my life!

[@LoryIvey]

I think she uses a hot wax roller, but I could be wrong.

[@lucifervibes]

I am looking for this too!

[@omorado]

I’m waiting for a major exhibition in NY. Not sure why that hasn’t happened yet.

[@adelinemalfon1214]

c'est trop beau. biennale de Lyon

[@mandmrocks533]

Cool

[@gwenthomas3295]

Her personality reminds me of Jean Michele

[@Idontdgsjai2333]

Nick Young 3:40

[@afkasoo]

What device and adhesive did she use in the video to put them on the wall???

[@RoseAngella]

afkasoo - Id like to know that too. The art is beautiful. 💚

[@blackerpanther3329]

Her art is that of a middle schooler... if that’s what’s she’s going for then good on her.

[@blackerpanther3329]

Her art is not good. Her message, as trivial and juvenile as it is, masks her lack of talent, form and composition.

[@neobourgeoischristum5540]

Her hair is cool - that's about it