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Hello, practice people!
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So far, we have been talking about how artists can deal with rejection—from shows, grants, and residencies—but what happens when an artist decides to reject an opportunity?
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Arewà Basit poses in front of Trans Forming Liberty (2024), a painting by Amy Sherald for which she served as the model (image via npr.org).
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As you may have heard, painter Amy Sherald canceled her groundbreaking solo exhibition, American Sublime, at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Sherald pulled the show because the museum considered removing her portrait of Arewà Basit, a transgender model, in an effort to conform to Donald Trump's anti-trans mandates.
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Rejection as Resistance
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The dominant discourse about creative opportunity is rooted in scarcity. It claims that artists should be grateful for any opportunity, no matter the cost. By choosing her principles over this opportunity, Amy Sherald offers a different path: refusal as a tool to critique and resist the prejudices embedded in the institution.
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Museums need artists as much as we need them. In fact, museums, galleries, artists residencies, and other art institutions are nothing without artists.
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Reclaiming Rejection
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Sherald's refusal brings to mind Jack Halberstam's book The Queer Art of Failure, which argues that the rejection of—or failure to live up to—the standards of mainstream culture can offer unexpected pleasures, creativity, and freedom of expression. This week, we encourage you to ask yourself, "Who's standards are you trying to live up to, anyway?"
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Imagining Opportunities:
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Make some time to reflect on the following questions.
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- What does an ideal opportunity look like to you?
- What does it offer you, your audience, and your community?
- When would you say "no" to an opportunity and why?
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Work with us in-person!
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This 8-week class at Oklahoma Contemporary covers everything you need to build a creative practice that fits YOU.
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Tired of practicing alone? This new class will connect you to a community of brilliant, weird, funny, insightful artists who support each other through the highs and lows of creative practice.
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Class begins Saturday, October 4th.
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As always, thanks for reading. We hope this newsletter inspires you to pursue and create opportunities that align with your values.
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We'll be back in 2 weeks.
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Until then, keep practicing!
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If you want more Practice Practice right now, visit the store to pick up our workbook!
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