Panel Discussion – Sunday, February 17 – 1 to 3 pm
“Where do you Stand? How being Black and an Artist confines or defines Artistic Expression in Trenton and Beyond”
Panelists: Stand Up Men Artists – Will “Kasso” Condry, Habiyb Shu’Aib and Autin Dean Wright
Moderator: Edwin J. Torres, Deputy Digital Director for New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy
ARTISTS STATEMENTS
Autin Dean Wright –
“Rough. Rugged. Raw. Worthless. Insignificant.” Words that come to mind for some when passing by a tree nestled on the side of the road. If we’re honest about it, some of the very same words come to mind upon first glance at African American men – congregating innocently near the corners of their own homes. I’ve endured my own negative encounters and realized that we don’t have to allow our environment to shape us. We can reshape society’s perception of our existence and diversity of self-expression. Trees … like African American men … have a soul and a spirit. This message will emanate in my work at the Stand Up Men exhibit — starting with a tree that survived the devastating fury of Hurricane Sandy. Through our strength and unwavering perseverance in the eye of our daily storms, we can help those glaring from a distance to develop a respect for our uniquely individual creative expression. It’s how we can change the narrative — that what truly lies beneath what others may see as “rough and rugged” is actually … Polished. Refined. Symbolic. Valuable. Meaningful.
Habiyb Al Shu’aib
From the pure joy reflected in the eyes of a plying child, to the harsh realities of hard living etched into the faces of the homeless, his photos evoke the very emotions he feels while capturing timeless moments, bringing the viewer along for the ride. As passionate a photographer as they come, Habiyb (also known as Beloved1) spends every waking moment perfecting his craft and preparing for his continued success in the field. His future aspirations hold hopes of bringing his works to more galleries.
Will “Kasso” Condry
Considered the godfather of the Trenton art scene, Kasso continues to promote and produce street art across the country. Kasso’s lived experiences and cultural heritage, and social issues inform the subject of his murals, paintings, and illustrations. Additionally, his life’s work centers on using mural arts as a vehicle for community-building, activism, beautification, and healing. For over 20 years, Will’s public art initiatives and civic engagement have had profound impact by helping vulnerable and fractured communities come together to creatively problem solve issues that affect their neighborhoods and everyday lives. Kasso firmly believes in the power of art to inspire, empower, create dialogue, and improve lives.
MODERATOR: Edwin J. Torres –
Edwin J. Torres is an award-winning photographer preoccupied with uncovering stories about family life and disenfranchised communities that are often overlooked.
Born in the Hunts Point neighborhood of the Bronx and raised in a Puerto Rican family, Torres developed a love for his vibrant community and works to serve as one of the voices from within.
Currently, Torres serves as the Deputy Digital Director for the Governor’s Office in New Jersey. Prior, he served as a staff photographer for the New York City Mayor’s Office. Edwin worked as a freelance photojournalist and contributing reporter in a Pulitzer Prize winning story with ProPublica and the New York Daily News. He is a member of the Bronx Photo League which is attached to The Bronx Documentary Center (BDC) and published the Jerome Avenue Worker’s Project.
His work has been published in the New York Times, Vice, The Atlantic, The New York Daily News, The American Prospect, ProPublica, The GroundTruth Project, Leica Blog, and several other outlets.
He graduated from Colby College with a degree in American Studies.
Help ensure our future as a Guardian Angel
