WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU SEE THE TITLE EVIL NIGGER? - Zine
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU SEE THE TITLE EVIL NIGGER?
Published by 52W and Haynes & Homer Press
Designer: Sebastien Pierre
Printed by Offset Press, Inc. in Chinatown, New York
On the occasion of 52 Walker’s fourteenth exhibition,Julius Eastman & Glenn Ligon: Evil Nigger, writers, artists, and friends were invited to respond to the prompt: “What do you think of when you see the title Evil Nigger?” Contributions ranging from a few words to a few sentences (and anywhere in between) were welcomed. This exercise has highlighted the shared consciousness, depth, and humor that have long driven, and been paramount to, the black experience in America.
Titled after a 1979 piano composition by Julius Eastman–who was known for giving his works intentionally challenging names–Evil Nigger is grounded in Eastman and Ligon’s shared affinity as artists and individuals. Conceived in partnership with Eastman’s estate, the exhibition draws on the artists’ interest in authorial voice–in particular the perilous slippage of context and intent that occurs in language’s transmission and reception–and their ability to construct meaning through strategies of repetition, obfuscation, and improvisation.
This product is available for pickup only at 52 Walker. 500 Copies available — Two copies per person limit.
Featuring responses from:
Adrienne Edwards, Alima Lee, Arthur Jafa, Carrie Mae Weems, Cauleen Smith, Darby English, Derek Fordjour, Devin Troy Strother, Diamond Stingily, Doreen St. Félix, Dozie Kanu, Ebony L. Haynes, Gerry Eastman, Glenn Ligon, Gozie Ojini, Grace Wales Bonner, Habiba Hopson, Hamza Walker, Helga Davis, Huey Copeland, Jace Clayton, Jason Moran, Jennie C. Jones, Jeremy Toussaint-Baptiste, Judnick Mayard, Kameelah Janan Rasheed, Karon Davis, Kayode Ojo, Kellie Jones, Kelsey Lu, Kevin Beasley, Kunle F. Martins, Legacy Russell, Linda Goode Bryant, Lorna Simpson, Margo Jefferson, Meshell Ndegeocello, Naomi Beckwith, Nikita Gale, Paul Mooney, Rashid Johnson, Rizvana Bradley, Saidiya Hartman, Simone Browne, Simone White, T Malice III, Theaster Gates, Tiona Nekkia McClodden, travis, Walter Price, and Zoë Hopkins.