“The way he saw it, living taught you that you didn’t have to live the way you’d been taught to live. You came from one place but more important was where you decided to go.”
-Colson Whitehead, Harlem Shuffle
Who were you told to be? For most of us, even if it was subtle, our upbringings defined the person we were expected to become. And while this may be OK for some people, there are many who prefer to choose their own adventure, if you will, to determine how they live their life rather than go along with expectations. Artists often tell a tale of bucking expectations. The life of an artist is not one that a lot of parents imagine for their children. Many artists come to their professional practice after decades of another career, one that appeased family expectations.
Diane Burko joined us to talk about Bearing Witness, her show that ran until March 8 at Cristin Tierney Gallery. The title refers to the activist approach of bearing witness to the earth and the effects of climate change that have taken place in our current Anthropocene epoch. Burko started out as a landscape painter, but feeling she needed to do more, she began doing extensive research on the ravages of climate change, including visits to places like the arctic and Antarctic that have been ravaged by the greed that leads to climate destruction. To learn more, listen to the complete interview.
Violeta Maya chatted with us about Me atrevo a decir que esta pintura está viva, her first solo show in New York, which ran until February 15 at Nicelle Beauchene Gallery. The title of this show translates to “I dare say this painting is alive.” Maya explained that this refers to a part of her process. The former occur when she gives in to the work, having fun and working with abandon. Conversely, when she works under pressure or with fear, the paintings often look dead. To hear more, listen to the complete interview.
A Few Words to Keep in Your Pocket.
Did you face certain expectations? Did you live up to them or go your own way? Tell us in the comments.
Outings.
Join me at Hauser & Wirth Downtown Los Angeles for work by Leon Golub with Philip Guston, David Hammons, Rashid Johnson, Wifredo Lam, Sharon Lockhart, Robert Longo, Teresa Margolles, Tiona Nekkia McClodden and Taryn Simon
Interviews are available on iTunes as podcasts, and for Android, please click here. All weekly essay pieces are here in a shareable format. The full archive of interviews is here.
More Books to Read.
Ours is a community of readers. Tell us what books you’re reading now by adding your titles to our reading list here. Praxis user Sadie Bridger recommends Lebensborn – Birth Right Politics in the Third Reich by Angeniet Berkers.
Opportunities.
Works & Process invites NYC movement-based artists to apply for week-long residencies with funding, housing, and studio access. Residencies take place from October 2025–May 2026. Visit the website to learn more. Deadline for applications is April 22.