Self Determination

Only after talking with folks does Thursday's YBCA's community conversation on what is "revolutionary" in revolutionary art make sense.

Jeff Hull, founder of the short lived gallery space called Oaklandish, received a public spanking for questionable commitments to the Oakland community and art scene. Audience members felt insulted that he was on the panel (particularly since he said he does not see his work as part of the revolutionary movement). They asked if there might be a better place for him to work within the white, rich male community rather than dabbling in urban arts.

From what I've been hearing, he put his money into a space that the community appreciated. But then decided that this wasn't his thing and pulled out leaving many people disappointed.

But do we need to do the workshop on self-determination all over again?! We need to be the controllers of our own destiny. We can't rely on money from the outside, no matter how friendly the gesture may seem. We need to build institutions that will be accountable to the community. We need to build leadership and power within our own communities.

Although many were upset that the discussion was negative and dwelled too long on calling out Jeff, like Greg Morozumi, I agree that it was an important discussion.

Comments

[Thorr]

You didn't mention how Bobby Seale himself spoke up to put some of these issues in perspective (while the very vocal critics talked over him). Also, you may want to do a bit more research on why the gallery actually closed before raising speculation. I agree it was a good discussion though.