August 19th 2023.
Phyllis Stephens, a fine artist and quilter, has created her latest series, The Movement of Material, to capture the 'Art of Dance' in a bold and innovative way. As Stephens puts it, “Dance and quilt-making are exactly the same.” She believes that the human experience is a dance of praise, love, labor, liberation, and resilience, and this series is designed to showcase that.
The series consists of 10 pieces, each of which is crafted with intricate detail and vibrant colors. The pieces are designed to be heroic in weight, scale, and story, and to evoke the feeling of a “citified soiree” where Black bodies exalt one another. Through her work, Stephens also seeks to bring attention to the hustle of mamas and papas, the stolen moments and slow grind between unlawful lovers, and the collective dance towards freedom.
One of the most impressive pieces in the series is Balancing Act, which captures the concept of balance in an otherwise unsteady environment. Feel It My Soul pays homage to the spiritual dance between the artist and the elements, and Work It portrays women with poise and prowess. Other pieces such as Upward Bound, Whirlwind, and The Rest of Forever depict the cultural and intimate exchange of Black joy and love through dance.
The Movement of Material is an ode to the past, present, and future of movement. It celebrates the power of art to remember, to honor, and to heal. It is a powerful reminder of the beauty and joy of dance and of the Black community.
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