Diamonstein-Spielvogel Lecture Series: Kara Walker and Jason Moran

Description

Kara Walker and Jason Moran discuss their friendship, collaboration, and the significance of activating Walker?s temporary memorial to the institution of slavery on the National Mall. The Katastw??f Karavan is a sculptural work of art with a steam calliope, a musical instrument used on steamboats and in carnivals in the 19th century. Kara Walker housed this calliope in a steel-wrapped wagon featuring her signature silhouettes, a style popular in portraiture of the same era. Walker upends this tradition by using silhouettes to represent the violence of slavery. Musician and artist Jason Moran composed music for the calliope and plays it live during special performances.