Meet the Artist: Tomashi Jackson | Whitney Biennial 2019

In the lead-up to the Whitney Biennial 2019, we visited five artists in their studios to learn more about their work. The second episode of the series features Tomashi Jackson in her studio in Brooklyn, New York, and in Central Park in Manhattan. Her densely layered abstractions feature found materials-paper bags, food wrappers, vinyl insulation strips, and storefront awnings-from a wide range of sources, incorporating art-historical, legal, and social histories. Her works in the 2019 Biennial seek to visualize stories of dispossession and displacement in New York City, particularly of Black and Brown communities. She draws on the stories of Seneca Village, the Black community that was razed in the 1850s to make way for Central Park, and the city's current-day Third Party Transfer Program, which targets paid-for properties in rapidly gentrifying communities across New York, transferring ownership from elderly Black and Brown property owners to developers. Interweaving these narratives visually and challenging the ways in which we see information, Jackson creates dynamic works of clashing complementary hues.
Watch episode 1 featuring Jeffrey Gibson: • Meet the Artist: Jeffr...
Watch episode 3 featuring Daniel Lind-Ramos: • Meet the Artist: Danie...
Watch episode 4 featuring Kota Ezawa: • Meet the Artist: Kota ...
Watch episode 5 featuring Meriem Bennani: • Meet the Artist: Merie...
Subscribe: bit.ly/2EYzN2N
The Whitney Biennial 2019 is on view May 17 through September 22, 2019. Tickets and more information at whitney.org/biennial2019.
Plan your visit today at whitney.org/visit.
Video produced by SandenWolff
Shot and directed by Noah Therrien
Creative production and story editing by Rachel Wolff
Edited by Stephen Parnigoni and Noah Therrien
#whitneybiennial #tomashijackson #senecavillage #centralpark #contemporaryart

[@springnicole2181]

I love her humble attitude. She is not imposing her own opinions or predispositions on what is happening. She is just trying to understand it.

[@margaretpazant6266]

So happy that I had the pleasure of spending time with you 2001. You were a wonderful Leader Support. You really got me.
I uncovered a lovely watercolor you did of me during that time. I am grateful to have had you on this journey. Honor your Spirit! Margaret C Pazant.💋🎈🌹👍🏽💃🏿

[@aleksandraalexander4506]

Fabulous work Tomashi, love the layering of forms and use of color and seeing your art.. Thanks..

[@ppaulinka]

Grear video. Thanks so much for this introduction. Enjoy watching this one very much.

[@angelahamlett8249]

BRAVO!!! ♡♡♡

[@donutplanetstudio8866]

dope!

[@5280BLM]

Seriously it’s even hard to pretend this work is good.

[@fataudra7579]

rough lookin face tho. LOL