THE Wallach Art Gallery at Columbia University is pleased to open Downtown Triennial 2023 June 23. The third iteration of the series, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of hip-hop, is a visual arts tribute to sound – in the realms of music, soundscapes and spoken word – that resonates with Harlem. Organized by Betti-Sue Hertz, Lewis Long and Souleo, the exhibition is on view until September 17.
The 22 studio, media, post-graffiti, interdisciplinary and interpreter artists of Downtown Triennial 2023 are Terry Adkins, Tiffany Alfonseca, Maria Chavez/Jordi Wheeler, Michael Cummings, Sonia Louise Davis, Lisa DuBois, Ivan Forde, Jeffrey Gibson, Kathleen Granados, Alteronce Gumby, Jewel Ham, Lucia Hierro, Carlos Jesus Martinez-Dominguez/FEEGZ, Beau McCall, Dindga McCannon, Ruben Natal-San Miguel, Rashaad Newsome, Bayete Ross Smith, Carl Hancock Rux/Dianne Smith and RaFia Santana.
During the 20th century, the Upper Manhattan neighborhood of Harlem became synonymous with an urban culture that included African Americans, Africans, and Latinx with roots in the Caribbean and beyond. This created an ever-changing fusion of influences, particularly in the realm of music and sound. The depth and range of sound sources available to the Downtown Triennial 2023 artists – from jazz and merengue to soundscapes, hip-hop and mixtapes – resonates throughout the exhibition.
The exhibition is representative of several distinct approaches to the world of sound. Paintings with visual composition, patterns and rhythms refer to formal aspects of music and sometimes speech. Works featuring quilting blend historic African-American textile and musical traditions. Material research is at the heart of a post-graffiti mural on Dominican-American music and a video installation fusing Jewish and African-American musical traditions. Memories of family music sharing are evoked through recordings, sometimes on outdated technology. Party paintings suggest music through the performative gestures of bodies and dance videos incorporate music as a vehicle to structure movement. The public sphere is evoked in sculptures, photographs and sound works.
The works in the exhibition create an exchange of ideas that transcends any concept of what is possible when visual artists realize the importance of the sonic sphere. References to Harlem as a crossroads of cultures and art’s ability to connect across differences are evident throughout. Downtown Triennial 2023.
Public program
Downtown Triennial 2023 + Sundae Sermon Afternoon
Saturday July 8 | 1 to 4 p.m. (ET)
A festive summer afternoon celebrating Downtown Triennial 2023 with DJ Stormin Norman and Sundae Sermon, including special appearances by participating artists.
For more information, visit wallach.columbia.edu.
