Art

He uses the art of stepping to shed light on the Black experience – CBC.ca

Published

2 years ago

February 26, 2023

CBC Quebec is highlighting people from the province’s Black communities who are giving back, inspiring others and helping to shape our future. These are the 2023 Black Changemakers.

About 15 years ago, Kayin Queeley fell in love with the art of stepping. As the founder of the collective Montreal Steppers, he’s since taught it to thousands of students.

Ask him about the history of stepping, and Queeley’s eyes light up.

The art form, which revolves around the use of one’s body as a percussive instrument through footwork, hand clapping and spoken word, has deep roots in Black American culture.

Everything the collective does — from workshops in schools, CEGEPs and universities to live performances that also include singing and spoken-word poetry — makes the link between that history and the present-day Black experience.

It’s a critical part of the collective’s message: “We are going to help you engage in this art form, but you will not leave and you won’t engage without knowing where this came from,” explains Queeley.

“We cannot continue to share elements of our history and our art forms without the context.”

Bodies replaced banned drums

In 1739, there was an unsuccessful slave uprising in South Carolina, known as the Stono Rebellion.

Enslaved Africans were armed with weapons and used the beat of drums to signal each other.

Once the rebellion was quashed, South Carolina passed strict laws to better control the enslaved population, including banning the use of drums.

“It was now the inception of using your body to replicate the sound of the drum, which was now missing,” Queeley said.

Falling in love with stepping

Queeley, who was born and raised in the small dual-island Caribbean nation of Saint Kitts and Nevin, left home to study at the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh.

That’s where he saw his first live stepping routine, at a gospel concert in 2008.

“There’s something about that rawness of you creating the music with your body,” said Queeley. “… a group of people collectively doing this simultaneously, doing all of it together, synchronized, but at the same time doing different steps, as well, that all build and connect with each other.”

He soon joined a local step team, eventually going on to lead it.

Plattsburgh, where Queeley found stepping, is also where he met his wife, Liza Selvarajah, a fellow student and a Montrealer who eventually persuaded him to move to Quebec.

“I didn’t expect my life to end up in Montreal, I can tell you that, my friend,” he said.

“I’m an island boy through and through.”

More than just dance

Shortly after arriving in Montreal, Queeley began volunteering in schools, teaching students about stepping.

He was also part of a group that performed at McGill University in 2016, blending gospel songs with a step routine, followed by a brief presentation outlining the history of the dance style.

That presentation resonated with the audience and got Queeley thinking about starting a group whose mission would be to introduce people to the history of stepping, through the art form.

“I don’t want this just to be [about] performance. There’s an element missing when we only do performance,” he said.

“I want you to walk away realizing that there’s potential in yourself to use your body to explore this art form but I want you to walk away knowing this history.”

Montreal Steppers was officially born in 2019. Since then, Queeley says the Montreal Steppers have given 400 workshops, reaching about 11,000 students.

The group has about 20 members, including Winnie Daniel, who’s been involved from the beginning.

Daniel credits Queeley’s leadership and work ethic for the group growing its reach even as the COVID-19 pandemic raged on.

“He is a very humble leader. He knows how to generously put everybody where they will shine,” said Winnie Daniel.

Creating a dialogue

“If this was 150 years ago, why wouldn’t I be allowed in your school?” Queeley asks students at the beginning of every workshop.

Some of them pause, he says.

“Why, Mr. Kayin?” they ask. “I don’t know.”

“Because I am a Black man,” he tells them. “Back then there was segregation. We weren’t allowed in certain spaces. So, now I’m allowed in this space. What are we going to do today? How are we going to learn?”

Even if the history of stepping is tied to African slavery, Kayin and his fellow steppers want the dialogue to go beyond that.

“It changed a lot how I see myself as a Black woman, just by connecting with my history,” said Daniel. “Not through pain, but being inspired through art.”

Queeley says he’s hopeful that his work contributes in some way to making the world an easier place to navigate for his four-year-old daughter.

“We do all of that because we are recognizing what the past has led us to. And we are looking to make proactive decisions about our present that will shift and shape our future,” he said.

“We all do what we can, and collectively we will make a huge difference.”

The Black Changemakers is a special series recognizing individuals who, regardless of background or industry, are driven to create a positive impact in their community. From tackling problems to showing small gestures of kindness on a daily basis, these changemakers are making a difference and inspiring others. Meet all the changemakers here.

For more stories about the experiences of Black Canadians — from anti-Black racism to success stories within the Black community — check out Being Black in Canada, a CBC project Black Canadians can be proud of. You can read more stories here.

Adblock test (Why?)

Source link

Art

Calvin Lucyshyn: Vancouver Island Art Dealer Faces Fraud Charges After Police Seize Millions in Artwork

Published

2 weeks ago

September 13, 2024

Harry Miller

In a case that has sent shockwaves through the Vancouver Island art community, a local art dealer has been charged with one count of fraud over $5,000. Calvin Lucyshyn, the former operator of the now-closed Winchester Galleries in Oak Bay, faces the charge after police seized hundreds of artworks, valued in the tens of millions of dollars, from various storage sites in the Greater Victoria area.

Alleged Fraud Scheme

Police allege that Lucyshyn had been taking valuable art from members of the public under the guise of appraising or consigning the pieces for sale, only to cut off all communication with the owners. This investigation began in April 2022, when police received a complaint from an individual who had provided four paintings to Lucyshyn, including three works by renowned British Columbia artist Emily Carr, and had not received any updates on their sale.

Further investigation by the Saanich Police Department revealed that this was not an isolated incident. Detectives found other alleged victims who had similar experiences with Winchester Galleries, leading police to execute search warrants at three separate storage locations across Greater Victoria.

Massive Seizure of Artworks

In what has become one of the largest art fraud investigations in recent Canadian history, authorities seized approximately 1,100 pieces of art, including more than 600 pieces from a storage site in Saanich, over 300 in Langford, and more than 100 in Oak Bay. Some of the more valuable pieces, according to police, were estimated to be worth $85,000 each.

Lucyshyn was arrested on April 21, 2022, but was later released from custody. In May 2024, a fraud charge was formally laid against him.

Artwork Returned, but Some Remain Unclaimed

In a statement released on Monday, the Saanich Police Department confirmed that 1,050 of the seized artworks have been returned to their rightful owners. However, several pieces remain unclaimed, and police continue their efforts to track down the owners of these works.

Court Proceedings Ongoing

The criminal charge against Lucyshyn has not yet been tested in court, and he has publicly stated his intention to defend himself against any pending allegations. His next court appearance is scheduled for September 10, 2024.

Impact on the Local Art Community

The news of Lucyshyn’s alleged fraud has deeply affected Vancouver Island’s art community, particularly collectors, galleries, and artists who may have been impacted by the gallery’s operations. With high-value pieces from artists like Emily Carr involved, the case underscores the vulnerabilities that can exist in art transactions.

For many art collectors, the investigation has raised concerns about the potential for fraud in the art world, particularly when it comes to dealing with private galleries and dealers. The seizure of such a vast collection of artworks has also led to questions about the management and oversight of valuable art pieces, as well as the importance of transparency and trust in the industry.

As the case continues to unfold in court, it will likely serve as a cautionary tale for collectors and galleries alike, highlighting the need for due diligence in the sale and appraisal of high-value artworks.

While much of the seized artwork has been returned, the full scale of the alleged fraud is still being unraveled. Lucyshyn’s upcoming court appearances will be closely watched, not only by the legal community but also by the wider art world, as it navigates the fallout from one of Canada’s most significant art fraud cases in recent memory.

Art collectors and individuals who believe they may have been affected by this case are encouraged to contact the Saanich Police Department to inquire about any unclaimed pieces. Additionally, the case serves as a reminder for anyone involved in high-value art transactions to work with reputable dealers and to keep thorough documentation of all transactions.

As with any investment, whether in art or other ventures, it is crucial to be cautious and informed. Art fraud can devastate personal collections and finances, but by taking steps to verify authenticity, provenance, and the reputation of dealers, collectors can help safeguard their valuable pieces.

Art

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone – BBC.com

Published

3 weeks ago

September 2, 2024

Harry Miller

[unable to retrieve full-text content]

Ukrainian sells art in Essex while stuck in a warzone BBC.com

Source link

Art

Somerset House Fire: Courtauld Gallery Reopens, Rest of Landmark Closed

Published

1 month ago

August 18, 2024

Harry Miller

The Courtauld Gallery at Somerset House has reopened its doors to the public after a fire swept through the historic building in central London. While the gallery has resumed operations, the rest of the iconic site remains closed “until further notice.”

On Saturday, approximately 125 firefighters were called to the scene to battle the blaze, which sent smoke billowing across the city. Fortunately, the fire occurred in a part of the building not housing valuable artworks, and no injuries were reported. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire.

Despite the disruption, art lovers queued outside the gallery before it reopened at 10:00 BST on Sunday. One visitor expressed his relief, saying, “I was sad to see the fire, but I’m relieved the art is safe.”

The Clark family, visiting London from Washington state, USA, had a unique perspective on the incident. While sightseeing on the London Eye, they watched as firefighters tackled the flames. Paul Clark, accompanied by his wife Jiorgia and their four children, shared their concern for the safety of the artwork inside Somerset House. “It was sad to see,” Mr. Clark told the BBC. As a fan of Vincent Van Gogh, he was particularly relieved to learn that the painter’s famous Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear had not been affected by the fire.

Blaze in the West Wing

The fire broke out around midday on Saturday in the west wing of Somerset House, a section of the building primarily used for offices and storage. Jonathan Reekie, director of Somerset House Trust, assured the public that “no valuable artefacts or artworks” were located in that part of the building. By Sunday, fire engines were still stationed outside as investigations into the fire’s origin continued.

About Somerset House

Located on the Strand in central London, Somerset House is a prominent arts venue with a rich history dating back to the Georgian era. Built on the site of a former Tudor palace, the complex is known for its iconic courtyard and is home to the Courtauld Gallery. The gallery houses a prestigious collection from the Samuel Courtauld Trust, showcasing masterpieces from the Middle Ages to the 20th century. Among the notable works are pieces by impressionist legends such as Edouard Manet, Claude Monet, Paul Cézanne, and Vincent Van Gogh.

Somerset House regularly hosts cultural exhibitions and public events, including its popular winter ice skating sessions in the courtyard. However, for now, the venue remains partially closed as authorities ensure the safety of the site following the fire.

Art lovers and the Somerset House community can take solace in knowing that the invaluable collection remains unharmed, and the Courtauld Gallery continues to welcome visitors, offering a reprieve amid the disruption.

Source link