Here, we ask an artist to frame the essential details behind one of their latest works.
Bio: Ekene Ijeoma, 36, Brooklyn. (@ekeneijeoma)
Title of work: Breathing Pavilion
Where to see it: The Plaza at 300 Ashland Place, Brooklyn, until May 11.
Three words to describe it: Calm in chaos.
What was on your mind at the time: Covid-19 pandemic, systemic racism, presidential elections, collective loss, stress and grief, Tricia Hersey AKA the Nap Bishop, rest as a form of reparation, air, breathe, collective meditation.
An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: Looking at the outside from afar, the columns look like they’re metal and acrylic but they’re air-inflated two-toned textiles. Furthermore, from inside you’re surrounded by white noise from the fans in the columns.
How it reflects your practice as a whole: It reduces the message of breath and meditation down to its essence through form and experience.
One song that captures its essence: Another essence of the work is finding self-love and inner peace, which I feel in Mos Def’s Umi Says.
