Every so often, a creative dark horse will storm through Atlanta and give the arts world a healthy shake, just when things were starting to look dull. Artist Jenny Zhang, who serves as the Atlanta Printmakers Studio’s inaugural Emerging Artist in Residence, headlines a discussion panel at Apache CaféMon., July 13 at 8:30 p.m. The talk will center on issues raised by the artist’s JUBA SPIDER — an edition of prints inspired by hip-hop artist Juba Kalamka, an outspoken member of the black gay community — and will feature the voices of critics Cinqué Hicks (Creative Loafing) and Felicia Feaster (The Atlantan), as well as Charles Stephens of AID Atlanta and Karen Fain of Apache Café, who will moderate the discussion. Oh, and the artist herself, of course.
The panel is interdisciplinary to say the least, covering both music and visual art, and its themes unite a surprising cross-section of Atlanta groups interested in art and social justice. Hell, even WonderRoot’s involved: They’re responsible for video you just watched (or should be watching, soon)!
The music video above, “Night of the Knife” by the local band Cassavetes, was included in the very first episode of “WonderRoot TV.” Expect more from episode two — including a spotlight on the Disregardables, a local punk act, and a visit with Dosa Kim at his recent Beep Beep Gallery opening — premiering tomorrow night, Wed., April 1 at 8 p.m at WonderRoot.
Each 30-minute program, featuring short art films, animation, music videos, and profiles on local artists and musicians, is comprised of original footage (shot and edited by WR volunteers) as well as submissions collected via an open call to the community. The final product is then broadcast on cable every Thursday on channel 24 People TV Atlanta. (”WonderRoot TV,” episode one is also available online at YouTube in four separate parts.) WonderRoot hosts a screening on the first Wednesday of every month.
If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, animation artist, or a local band working on a music video, here’s your opportunity to get on TV. Interested? If so, WonderRoot has scheduled an informational meeting about the program Thursday at 7 p.m. Continue reading “Community-based media and ‘WonderRoot TV’” »
