What happens when communication breaks down to a point where a person’s life experience is not heard? How can one make their voice heard? In Letting Go, a temporary public art exhibit in Newark that addresses themes on catharsis, I addressed catharsis through the processes of communication and resolution. I engaged the public by giving them clues about my life experience through a series of videos, sound installations and performances placed around the entire block between Central Ave., Halsey St. and Broad between 3-6pm on Saturday 22nd.

The art party is moving to Newark. The city’s Open Doors Studio Tour, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, kicked off last night with a sneak preview of

via Jersey City Artists Nyugen E. Smith and Jacqueline Arias Represent at Newark Studio Tour.

“Unanswered” – Video/Sound installation and Performance

So Friday night I dragged two artist friends along for support and heavy lifting, two 20lbs bags of dirt, my screenplay of Samuel Beckett’s End Game, all the nerve I could muster and we headed off to the unknown. I will say briefly that it went off amazingly. I learned so much about my piece, performance in general and the audience (More about all of that later). Thank you Nyugen for the inspiration!

Video Installation on soil

I am interested in exploring the transformative qualities found in soil. As a body of intricate systems working together, soil is not easily identified by its parts, but is known by its whole; similar to the human body. It is a caretaker of deep time. A pile of soil on the ground embodies death, birth and rebirth. It is ephemeral; an ephemeral body collecting the world around it over time, using all four elements in a transformative process. This work begins as a healing process, a transformative and embodied experience. The imagery projected onto the soil explores the notion of a conflicted and detached body, facilitating an experience through which one can surpass the scope of ones own history and reaffirm the body.

Thank you Jeanne for a beautiful show!

Terra Forms re-considers this pivotal art movement with artwork literally fashioned from earthen materials such as dirt, clay and sand, as well as traditional media including oil paint, pigment and photography that reference or depict terrestrial forms. Brasile notes that she was inspired by the writings of artist Robert Smithson as well as her love of the outdoors. She is an avid hiker and notes, “This exhibition is unusual in that it is a hybrid of my curatorial and personal interests. I don’t often get to mix those two worlds.”

Our event, titled Bergen Hill Sound/Image, included video art and performance work by Nyugen E. Smith, myself and Zack Lischer Katz.  In addition two Rogue Video curators, Marie Sullivan and Meghan Blowers, presented a video piece including 20 artists from around the world, titled, “Trashed”.

Our awesome neighbors, Perryn and Sharmalyn Lord grilled up talapia and jerk chicken in the back patio, while the Brooklyn-based music ensemble, Hwi Noree started off the music portion of the evening with their blend of video and experimental music, answering the question “What would tie-dyes sound like if they could speak?”

Too Many Frets and members of Smoove Sailors and Stars Bars & Mars rounded out the event filling the space with hypnotic blends of avantgarde drone and funk. Thanks to Zack Lischer-Katz for projecting his beautiful Brakhage-esque handpainted 16mm film – that was the highlight for me!

The evening was a great success! A big thanks to our host Jean-Franck Maurice who opened his space to us for free! It’s available to rent at Bergen/Hill at Communipaw and Grand. Check it out!

Thanks to everyone who helped and contributed their time. Here’s to JC!