In Conversation: Interpretation

On February 24, the museum welcomed artists Jessica Gaynelle Moss and Frewuhn and art historian Kilolo Luckett for a discussion on the theme of interpretation in their roles as curators. Inspired by the recontextualization of natural history specimens and anthropological artifacts in the exhibition Sharif Bey: Excavations, the panelists explored their research process and how they approach the role of interpretation in their creative projects and exhibitions.

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS:
Jessica Gaynelle Moss is an artist, independent curator, art collector, and arts consultant to institutions and private clients. Currently, she serves as the Founding Director of The Roll Up CLT, a neighborhood-embedded artist residency program that invites Black artists from outside of Pennsylvania to collaborate with North Carolina-based artists and arts organizations. She also serves as the Administrative Director of Sibyls Shrine, a four-tiered artist residency program for Black women, womxn, trans women, and femmes who are mothers and identify as artists, creatives, and/or activists in Pittsburgh, PA. Although building and protecting Black space and investing in collective community service are an extension of her creative practice, Jessica works across many media to develop innovative, ethical, and responsible solutions that advance Black people, women, and underrepresented artists.

Frewuhn is a multidisciplinary performing artist. Her work follows a trajectory of theory to practice. Her background in theology, history, and anthropology inform her work and approach. Frewuhn probes at the methodology of performance, the methods of our madness, art as process making, and tool shaping.

Kilolo Luckett is a Pittsburgh-based art historian and curator. She is the founding executive director and chief curator of ALMA|LEWIS, an experimental, contemporary art platform for critical thinking, dialogue, and creative expression dedicated to Black culture. She serves as an Art Commissioner for the City of Pittsburgh's Art Commission. Luckett is currently writing an authorized biography on Naomi Sims, one of the first Black supermodels.