Milford Graves’s apothecarial approach as an artist is evidenced by his interests in herbology and the garden as a site of cosmic energy, however he is best known for his out-of-body inducing performances. His peers refer to him as a shaman, a title that aptly encapsulates his mystical talents. For this edition of Coffee & Conversation, Tim Hampshire and Amrita Stützle will examine how Graves melds traditional elements of West African religions into his practice, with emphasis on ritual, the corporeal, mysticism, and Vodun.

All are welcome to participate in the discussion.

Bios

Tim Hampshire is a first-year MA candidate in the History of Art department at the University of Pennsylvania. His research examines Greco-Roman Antiquity, specifically artifacts that signify the cultural exchange between merchants who traveled along the Silk Road during early civilization.

Amrita Stützle is an Austrian born artist and educator with a focus in lens-based media. Her practice dissects contemporary and historical aspects of her identity, exploring themes of femininity, labor, and power. She received her BFA in Art Photography from Syracuse University and is currently pursuing her MFA at the University of Pennsylvania.

Coffee & Conversation

Coffee & Conversation are discussions led by graduate students from the University of Pennsylvania’s History of Art and Weitzman School of Design departments. For the fall exhibition season, this iteration will involve the students working in tandem. Through their unique perspectives as practitioners and researchers, they offer different approaches to consider the various facets that go into the formation of an exhibition and the artist’s process, creating entry points along the way for the audience to be involved in the conversation on a personal level.

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Milford Graves: A Mind-Body Deal is organized by Mark Christman, Artistic Director, Ars Nova Workshop, with Anthony Elms, Daniel and Brett Sundheim Chief Curator, ICA. Curatorial support provided by Jake Meginsky. Accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue to be published by Inventory Press.

Major support for Milford Graves: A Mind-Body Deal has been provided by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, with additional support from the Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and the Joseph Robert Foundation.

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