This Moment in Time…
Through the years black and indigenous artists of color have used their art and creativity to comment on and respond to the ongoing culture of racism and oppression in America. The Big Blue Collective has asked four local artists to respond to the Seattle Design Festival theme of “About Time” by contemplating this moment in time and offering their thoughts and creative responses. Our installation is their work, as we believe that it’s about time that we offer our platform; to listen to and promote their voices and thoughts.
JR Rhodes
Singer-songwriter J.R. Rhodes believes that music heals and that love is real. From her first open-mic performances at the O.K. Hotel, Seattle, to her latest album I Am, these beliefs in the transformative power of song are distilled into gems of quiet intensity that traverse blues, jazz, folk and rock.
Jite Agbro
’ve worked an artist for over 20 years. My work is about social posturing specifically how individuals navigate social systems and power structures using emotional, physical, and psychological tools I call “armor. I’m fascinated with how old oppressive systems replicate themselves through social practices and rituals like displaying objects of status and the signaling of power through gesture. I find that traditional marks of status can be transformed into a self-imposed set of rules that can dictate how we navigate the world.
For me, gesture is a familiar instrument used for unspoken exchanges, and a universal means of conveying self-image, aesthetic, interpersonal allegiance, and even citizenship, lineage, and social status. “I’m interested in how we as use gesture and symbols to project ourselves and our identities into the greater public space, and how doing so changes the way we see ourselves and others.”
Caleb Fields
Caleb’s art focuses on character development, often inspired by video games. Born in 1994, he represents the youth voice within this project. This is his first time working as an artist professionally.
Romson Bustillo
Romson Regarde Bustillo was born in the Philippines on the large multi-ethnic/multi-faith island of Mindanao. His family moved to Seattle’s Columbia City Neighborhood in 1978. He has taught printmaking at Pratt Fine Arts Center, the UW School of Art, the Wing Luke Museum, and the Seattle Art Museum. Bustillo currently maintains a studio in Pioneer Square. He is a 2019 Artist Trust Fellow.