Talks & Convos
The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture
Carnival traditions in the African Diaspora with Nyugen E. Smith: A dynamic multi-sensory experience of performance, sound and visuals anchors a robust conversation between Denenge
Duyst-Akpem and Nyguen Smith. The conversation will be framed within the context of masquerade, performance and
spirituality contained in Carnival traditions in the African Diaspora with a focus on the Caribbean and how these elements inform and are present in the work of Smith and
other leading artists in the diaspora. (June 20, 2018)
Interdisciplinary Artist Nyugen Smith visits the SQR Podcast
“Pretending was too much work”, as expressed by interdisciplinary artist Nyugen Smith, a hybrid of both Haitian and Trinidadian blood. He graced SQR Podcast with transparency as he delved into his upbringing in Trinidad; including his cultural adjustment after moving back to America during his most formative years, how art chose him, and the visual and physical influences he attributes toward embracing his own aesthetics.
My summer 2020 in-person residency at Indigo Arts Alliance became a virtual residency due to the
Covid-19 pandemic. The result was a series of online conversations hosted by Indigo Arts Alliance in partnership with the Pérez Art Museum, Miami titled,The Wave, a series of three online conversations between artists, scholars, and others who are specialists in their fields. This series will create dialogue around the current and future impact of the pandemic on Black and Brown communities locally and globally, and prioritizes the need for generative conversations, together with concrete actions, that are in service of and benefit to our communities. Click each image below to watch.
The Wave: EXODUS (Movement of our people)
Immigrant and Migrant communities of color are heavily impacted by intended and unintended consequences of policies instituted by governments worldwide, and Covid-19 has further exacerbated their plight. The outbreak of this pandemic is the largest mobility crisis the world has ever seen, according to the International Organization for Migration. Border closings, lack of access to food and medical care, racial profiling, and nationalistic responses are putting already vulnerable communities at an even greater risk. The panel will respond to such pressing issues as it relates to their profession, interests, and research. The panel is hosted by artist Nyugen Smith, moderated by PAMM Curator María Elena Ortiz, and features poet and spoken-word artist Roger Bonair-Agard; respected scholar, producer, activist, educator, author, professor, and Yoruba priestess Dr. Marta Moreno-Vega; multidisciplinary artist, mother and former doula Tsedaye Makonnen. (May 30, 2020)
The Wave: THE PRE-EXISTING CONDITION(S)
Join Indigo Arts Alliance (IAA and Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) for The Wave, a series of three online conversations, with this session hosted by artist Nyugen Smith and moderated by PAMM Curator María Elena Ortiz, and features poet Nyamuon Nguany Machar (AKA—Moon), journalist Trymaine Lee, art historian and multidisciplinary creative
Ciara Elle Bryant, and emergency medicine physician at Greenwich Hospital
Dr. Aisha Stroop. Current headlines tout pre-existing conditions as the reason for disproportionately high coronavirus cases and mortality rate among Black and other communities of color. The focus of such conversations is personal responsibility and overall health. (June 9, 2020)
The Wave: SPIRITUAL SUSTENANCE
Ritual and spiritual practice have been employed by our ancestors to guide them in the physical realm as they prepare for entry into, and in communication with, the spirit world. Indigenous technologies serve as coping mechanisms in times of crisis. African Diasporic sacred and ritual practice have played a distinct role in the formative issues of the (late 1960s) such as civil rights and world peace movements.* Our panelists discuss how they have been responding to the developments in these areas as it relates to each of their professions, interests, and research. The panel is hosted by artist Daniel Minter, moderated by PAMM Curator María Elena Ortiz, and features American contemporary poet, writer, lyricist and activist Aja Monet; multidisciplinary artist Guadalupe Maravilla; writer, historian, and poet Rachel Elizabeth Harding. *Sirmans, Franklin. Budney, Jen., eds. NeoHooDoo: Art For A Forgotten Faith. Houston, Tex. : The Menil Collection ; 2008. Print. (June 17, 2020)
ADAMA Arts Salon #12
Featuring: Raianna C. Brown, Rashayla Marie Brown, Basil Kincaid, and Nyugen Smith, moderated by: Niama Safia Sandy This week’s panel will center the voices of artists engaged in various forms of performance-based practice. Through our discussion, we will interrogate performance art within the context of contemporary African diasporic art and culture. We will also draw on distinctions between performance art and performing arts as well as performative traditions in Black cultural expressions. (June 28, 2020)
Artist Talk with Amanda L. Edwards and Nyugen Smith
Amanda L. Edwards and Nyugen Smith join us for an artist talk exploring their individual practices and their emerging collaboration since their residency in July 2018.
The panel is hosted by Wassaic Communications Coordinator Joe Brommel and moderated by Wassaic Board Members Charmain Warren and ___; (October 28, 2020)
Emerson Contemporary Presents: Art and Healing: Nyugen Smith
Missed out on the Art and Healing talk with Nyugen Smith and Curator Leonie Bradbury? Catch the highlights and Q&A here! This was in conjunction with Nyugen's campus-wide exhibit, Bundlehouse: Rising Into Something Else, that was on display until November 24, 2020.
SAIC's Visiting Artists Program Presents: Nyugen E. Smith: Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series
Nyugen E. Smith (MFA 2016) (November 24, 2020)
MoAD Presents: In the Artist’s Studio | Nyugen E. Smith
Join us virtually in this series as we visit interdisciplinary artist Nyugen Smith in his studio and learn how his work is changing as a result of the quarantine. Through performance, found object sculpture, mixed media drawing, painting, video, photo and writing, Nyugen deepens his knowledge of historical and present-day conditions of Black African descendants in the diaspora. Trauma, spiritual practices, language, violence, memory, architecture, landscape and climate change are primary concerns in his practice.This series is presented by Nicole Winthrop, membership Manager of The Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD) and the panel is hosted by Demetri Broxton, leader of the educational programs at MoAD. (December 3, 2020)
Atlantic World Art Fair
An IG Live Xchange conversation with LaVaughn Belle and Nyugen E. Smith as part of Suzie Wong programming with the Atlantic World Art Fair Titled ‘Fragments, Fractures and Failure’, they discussed their ideas and processes in context to their practice. (June 5, 2021)
ONLINE: Ancestry and Materiality with Yas Lime, Nyugen Smith & Tanoa Sasraku
Join artist-curator Yas Lime in discussion with Nyugen Smith and Tanoa Sasraku - both artists who use fabric, sculpture and collage to explore their ancestry. Expect questions on material, endangered craft and contemporary art which focuses on as well as perverts western tradition. This talk is part of the programme for Yas' exhibition Woven Tongue. You can visit the show in the second gallery of Eastside Projects until the 4 December 2021. (November 26. 2021)
SQR Podcast Interdisciplinary Artist Nyugen Smith 2 Visit
Inter disciplinary/Inter-visionary artist Nyugen Smith honors SQR podcast with an exclusive visit. Complemented by his producer Doctor Smith, Nyugen recaps his journey and debuts his new project, ALGO-RIDDIM: A Bundlehouse Sonic Relief Pack. This limited edition, unique collectable box set is a refreshing composition of spoken word riding the rhythm. Pure Art. (Jan 30, 2022)
Cleve Carney Museum of Art's Visiting Artist Series: Nyugen E. Smith: Latinx art within the Archipelago. (Jointly presented with DePaul Art Museum and College of DuPage)
Join us as we visit interdisciplinary artist Nyugen E. Smith virtually in the Youtube channel's live premiere of this talk in our screening room. Through performance, found object sculpture, mixed media drawing, painting, video, photo, and writing, Smith hosts this lecture and in presenting his work deepens his knowledge of historical and present-day conditions of Black African descendants in the diaspora. Trauma, spiritual practices, language, violence, memory, architecture, landscape, and climate change are primary concerns in his practice. This lecture revisits these themes in his work and responds to questions comments regarding his pieces. Moderated by Jackie Weaver, Associate Professor of Art at College DuPage. (March 16, 2022)
College of DuPage Visiting Artist Series. Nyugen E. Smith: Latinx art within the Archipelago. (Jointly presented with DePaul Art Museum and Cleve Carney Museum of Art)
Join us as we visit interdisciplinary artist Nyugen E. Smith virtually in the Youtube channel's live premiere of this talk in our screening room. Through performance, found object sculpture, mixed media drawing, painting, video, photo, and writing, Smith hosts this lecture and in presenting his work deepens his knowledge of historical and present-day conditions of Black African descendants in the diaspora. Trauma, spiritual practices, language, violence, memory, architecture, landscape, and climate change are primary concerns in his practice. This lecture revisits these themes in his work and responds to questions comments regarding his pieces. Moderated by Jackie Weaver, Associate Professor of Art at College DuPage. (April 2, 2022)
Artists In Action
Discover the local art community of Hamilton and Trenton, New Jersey at Grounds For Sculpture with an in depth look into their creative practice, technique and histories. This gathering will feature a new artist each month sharing their perspective in conversation with the public. This month, meet with Nyugen E. Smith, a first-generation Caribbean-American interdisciplinary artist and educator based in Jersey City, NJ. Through performance, found object sculpture, mixed media drawing, painting, video, photo, and writing, Nyugen deepens his knowledge of historical and present-day conditions of Black African descendants in the diaspora. Trauma, spiritual practices, language, memory, architecture, landscape, and climate change are primary concerns in his practice. Curated and moderated by Áine Mickey. Presented with The Seward Johnson Atelier. (June 4, 2022)
EADJ: Episode 6 Healing and Transcendence in Radical Decolonial Gesture
Healing and Transcendence through Radical Decolonial Gestures This panel brings together four contemporary artists whose research and artistic practice puts them at the forefront of decolonial thinking. These artists effectively challenge the legacy of colonialism and the continued prevalence of colonial power structures. More specifically, their work helps to rewrite and reframe the past, thereby enabling us to rethink how we can fight against the social injustices of our time and imagine a more just future for all. Curated and moderated by Selene Wendt. Hosted by Grada Kilomba, Sasha Huber, Nyugen E. Smith, and Cosmo Whyte. (July 25, 2023)
The Phillips Collection Presents Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage
Although Nyugen E. Smith was born in New Jersey, he grew up in Trinidad, where he was influenced by the mixture of African, Indigenous, and Caribbean cultures as well as the residue of British colonial rule that he encountered in his daily life on the island. Smith exposes the devastating legacy of enslavement and colonialism—from political instability to amplified natural disasters—for people of color in an interdisciplinary practice that includes found-object sculptures that he calls “bundlehouses,” performance, and mixedmedia drawings and collages. This series of new collages is made from photographs Smith made duringa month-long trip to Benin, Nigeria, and Togo in 2022. He printed, cut apart, and reassembled the images into new compositions in a small, postcard-like format. Smith states that they “are a meditation on the way I experiences the landscape of these three countries and a reflection on the ‘scramble for Africa’” by European nations looking to colonize the continent beginning in the 1880s. As he exposes this generational trauma, Smith also looks to African and Black Caribbean spiritual traditions for pathways to healing and empowerment. Multiplicity: Blackness in Contemporary American Collage is on view at the Frist Art Museum through December 31, 2023. (October 10, 2023)
Black Portraiture: V: Memory and the Archive Past. Present. Future. Archived record forthcoming
The conference will explore the making of visual archives, the narratives they tell, and the parameters that define them as objects of study. As visual collections, photographic archives present specific concerns — especially as digital technologies change the way knowledge is classified, stored, retrieved and disseminated.
The following questions will be considered: How does the gaze visualize and influence the control of historical narratives? What icons dominate the visual culture of slavery and its archives? How do other artistic narratives encode memory, violence, and subjectivities? What is the future of the archive and how does it provide fodder for social change or artistic innovation? How do social and economic histories as well as experiences of race, class, gender and sexuality affect the construction, acquisition and maintenance of archives of the African Diaspora?
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Archived record forthcoming
The Other Side of Now: Foresight in Contemporary Carribean Art (Perez Art Museum, Miami)
Archived record forthcoming
Latinx Art within the Archipelago Archived record forthcoming
How do we consider the complexities of mixed heritages, multilingualism, and transnational migration within the category of “Latinx Art”? This panel problematizes the Latinidad concept and its relationship to Blackness as part of the modern/colonial project. Informed by contemporary archipelagic thinking, the panelists will reveal their practice while recognizing Latinx identity not as a holistic synthesis, but rather as a complex network of interrelationships between various traditions around the world that met in the western part of the Atlantic Ocean. Presented by Curator Aldeide Delgado and Artists Yelaine Rodriguez , Juana Valdés, and Nyugen E. Smith. (June 2, 2021)