D UNDERBELLY derives its name from the ‘underbelly’ of a slave ship; excavating the legacies that surface from the depths of our cultural experiences.
D UNDERBELLY seeks to act as a catalyst for shifting perceptions; demystifying racism and recognizing the underlying contributions indigenous people from the Latin, Asia, Native and African diaspora have made to this new world culture.
An underground interdisciplinary network of artists of color, D UNDERBELLY emerged circa 1996/7, initially as a performative forum for exploring the multi-layered dimensions of culture as it relates to societal notions of “blackness”. Invested in interdisciplinary experimentation through the excavation of ‘new work’ and communal exchange, D UNDERBELLY rigorously explores the ever-fluid relationship between music and movement; weaving text, multimedia elements and environmental configurations in order to encapsulate the complexities of the diaspora. Moving onto Brooklyn, Ny and cultivating connections in Chicago, Austin Tx, northern California and internationally, this network continues to evolve; embracing & interrelating with Latin, Asian and Native/Indigenous traditions and forms. This hybrid is rooted in the theatrical jazz aesthetic carried forward by theater artist & collaborator Sharon Bridgforth, Dr Omi Osun Joni L. Jones along with other acclaimed artists including Laurie Carlos, Helga Davis, Daniel Alexander Jones and Marlies Yearby.
At the CORE of this network currently are artists:
Barak adé Soleil Francine Sheffield PROJECTS include:
Out of Africa & Beyond Un-slave diaries Basking in Negritude Vive La Intersections Revolutionary Acts Non Je Regrette Rien Receding ’emories Koool-aid Luv Odyssey N This Hous First Dark Drama Childr’n of “O” S’Kin Deep CURATORIAL:
Studies N Black Live Deep N Flow To BE CONTINUED:
Water Moves the Soul UN- rendered ARTISTS within the network of D UNDERBELLY; those who have been a part of the development of a project since its inception in 1996/7*
Stefania Strowder
Christal N. Brown
Leean Johnson
Chanon Judson Daniel Marcellus Givens André Austvoll Manelich Minnifee Geoff Albores
e.g. bailey
Gin Hammond
Cheles Rhynes
Ceci Lewis
Bernard Brown
Stephan Reynolds
Penelope McCourty
Margaret Morris Usry Alleyne Leann Johnson Rachel Bernsen Chelsea Gregory
Sonja Parks Monstah Black
Laurie Carlos Rafael Sanchez Nikki Patin Sha Cage
Douglas Ewart
Signe Harriday
Akil Davis Joe Wilson Chevon Stewart Aole T. Miller Christa Bell Shawn Odoms
Gesel Mason Mameri Blue Valerie McCleod-Katz Nicole Mitchell
Jada Odom
Sunder Ashni
Sharon Bridgforth
Natasha Diamond Walker
Aixa Kendrick
Anitrice Anderson
Delano Jean-Pierre
Matt Morgan
Yaa Asantewaa
Channie Waites
Sandra Jean Gaillard
Mutale Kanyatta
Sojourner Wright
Awilda Rodriguez-Lora
From 1996 – 2010 D UNDERBELLY’s projects have been informed by this notion of liquid legacies: a rite of embodying the dignity of a people |
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baraka de soleil use his sensibility and his huge lovely power for thwe good of all the world
baraka looks good with his new glasses
A wise and timely endeavor. Bravo, Baraka.
Baraka,
Been following your work. I’d love to share works of Organic Magnetics with your students at Columbia. be in touch- om@organicmagnetics.com
Maija G (creative director, FELA!)