It is bittersweet that my research has come to an end with The Clemente. I never knew that something so marvelous was right around the corner from me until applying for this fellowship. I am immensely grateful to meet and be a part of such a wholesome community. Throughout these ten weeks, I gathered research in ways unimaginable. I set out to explore the ways that The Clemente grew into the institution that it is today and my conclusions all produced better questions than direct answers.
Initially, I wanted to speak with more artists in residence but they were not as responsive as I hoped. I did not expect that the building managers of The Clemente would play such an imperative role in framing my research but they did. In hindsight that would probably be obvious but the degree in which they knew the building, I would have never estimated. For example, Chris knew to an incredible degree about the founders of The Clemente and how they contributed to Loisaida. The building managers specifically Mikey and Chris provided great detail and context to the formative years of the Clemente and the ways that that history reflects and impacts current procedures.
I am most proud of my familiarity with the building and my rapport with the staff. The Clemente is huge. The physical space encompasses half a block on all sides. There are stairs coming from every direction and it is easy to get lost. But once you know where you’re going, you are all set. Also the staff is filled with efficient and welcoming people whom I had the pleasure of being around. Moreover, I changed in ways unexpected. Each and every exhibit influences the way that I now see my surroundings. For example Transformation: Objects and Images in Relation spoke about the prevalence of Caribbean art and its versatility. Being that I identify as Afro-Caribbean, I want to also take caution and intentionally define black dance in a way that is educational to American society.
I thank everyone at The Clemente for a magnificent ten weeks!
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