What to say, from the moment I 'met' this sistah, before we had ever spoken a word i was intrigued, activated and expanded. It was going to be an adventure of galactic proportions... and I was ready for the ride. Engaging, provocative and sho nuff bout it! I invite you to experience Karen Seneferu.
Karen Seneferu is a self-taught artist that was born and raised in
Oakland California. She received a BA in English from University of California,
Berkeley. Interested in how individuals can be a part of mainstream
society andmaintain cultural integrity, Seneferu created a program that
removed fear andanxiety for Foundational Students called Take Flight at
Berkeley City College, where she teaches. The program incorporates art,
technology, reading, writing and gallery visits. At the center of the
program is the idea that narrative is art and art is narrative.
Senferu
artwork is a cross section of her teaching, where every space has the
potential for creative output, education, and healing. Thus, every space
has hidden meaning; what enters into that space can be dictated by that
meaning, or can transform the meaning of that space.
In coming in
and taking over space, Senferu created a new art form called
Technokisi. Technokisi attempts to alter and speak to the ancient form
of the Nkisi through a new and innovative work of art. The Nkisi, out of
the Kongo Basin, dated as early as the 16th century, was designed as a
container covered by a mirror in the stomach, the head, the back, or the
sex of the sculpture, which activated the power for daily life. Placing
technology at the center of Technokisi becomes the mirror reflected
back on those who view the video, placing the charge within the viewer
as well as the containment that is viewed. These two opposing forms for
Karen -the ancient and technological merge to create both a futuristic
energy, grounded in a historical vehicle that navigates multiple
discourses and geo-political landscapes for the purpose of healing and empowerment.
For a ride on the star ship check out karenseneferu.com
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