Artists: Nathaniel Donnett, Abijan Johnson, Autumn Knight, Robert Pruitt, Sehba Sarwar and M’Kina Tapscott
Location: 2308 Truxillo, Living Room
Interpretations Airborne is a modern-day recreation of a black and white photo of a dance performance taken at 2308 Truxillo, once the home of actress Vivian Ayers. The home is now owned by Michael Peranteau and Scott Sawyer.
The video is a collaborative video by Robert Pruitt, Nathaniel Donnett, Sehba Sarwar, M’Kina Tapscott and Autumn Knight, featuring a dance performance by Abijan Johnson; video edited and produced by Robert Pruitt.
ABOUT THE ARTISTS: ABIJAN JOHNSON (Houston, USA) works in social services by day and dances by night. This is her second collaboration with Autumn Knight, using movement to explore individual perception, mental health and critical social systems. AUTUMN KNIGHT (THIRD WARD, HOUSTON) has performed internationally with Elevator Repair Service and is a co-founder of Jelly Jar, a performance-based collective. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Speech Communications from Dillard University and Master of Arts in Drama Therapy from New York University. Knight received additional acting training at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama.
NATHANIEL DONNETT (THIRD WARD, HOUSTON) studied at Texas Southern University. He has received numerous grants including the Houston Arts Alliance individual art grant, 2011 Idea Art Fund, and the 2010 Artadia Award. His work has been exhibited in spaces including the Armory Show in New York, Art Miami, and The Modern Museum of Peru. Donnett’s work is available at Jenkins Johnson gallery in New York, New York.
SEHBA SARWAR (KARACHI, SINDH / HOUSTON) is a writer and multidisciplinary artist. Born and raised in Pakistan, she is based in Houston, and her writings have appeared in anthologies, newspapers, and magazines in India, Pakistan, South Korea, and the US, and her videos have been screened in India, Pakistan, Egypt and the US. Sarwar serves as VBB’s artistic/founding director and produces VBB living room art shows. M’KINA TAPSCOTT (THIRD WARD, HOUSTON) is currently completing an MFA program at the University of Houston. As a sculptor, Tapscott works with her hands to create objects that explore memories and current issues within the African American community. She incorporates the use of alternative venues and found objects to explore aspects of popular culture.
ROBERT A. PRUITT (THIRD WARD, HOUSTON) is a founding member of the artist collective Otabenga Jones & Associates. His work has been exhibited at spaces including The Museum of Fine Arts Houston, The Studio Museum of Harlem, and the 2006 Whitney Biennial. His awards include Artadia (2004) and Tiffany Foundation (2008). Currently, he is teaching at Texas Southern University.