On February 26th, Nolia James visited 19 music venues in Chicago and taped up 4 variations of these posters outside each venue, asking passerbys to think about the music they consume and how it is labeled.
This act is a means to provoke thought at these site specific locations. When people enter these halls what do they think of the artist performing? Do they consider the industry that has drained the diversity and being out of being a Black artist.
What happened to Black Rock?
When did that label and genre become so estranged from the “Canon” of Blackness. Was it Elvis? Was it Boy George? When did Rock music become the other? When did Black musicians who delve into Rock become “alternative”?
Made in conjuction with the BET Rock Awards Tee. Reimagining our history and an alternate form of celebration.
