An exceptional South African curator, Kara Taylor, has created an exhibition that deeply connects with her home locations. Growing up on Martha’s Vineyard, she has been integral to the Island’s art scene for years. However, her life took an exciting turn when she began traveling to South Africa seven years ago. Falling in love with the country’s people and cultural diversity, she now spends six months each year in Cape Town, working in a shared studio space at Side Street Studios.
With her experiences in both places, Kara Taylor felt compelled to bridge the gap between her communities. COLLIDE is the result of her efforts to bring together art and artists from central and southern Africa. Additionally, she will present the artworks alongside the works of Martha’s Vineyard artists. The exhibition features about 70 works by 23 artists, creating a dynamic and diverse display of talent and creativity.
Notably, COLLIDE marks Kara Taylor’s first international show and her largest curatorial project. This ambitious endeavor aims to push the envelope for gallery showings on Martha’s Vineyard. Additionally, it aims to introduce perspectives from artists influenced by South Africa’s rich and sometimes turbulent history.
The show includes various art forms, from traditional paintings to textiles, jewelry making, and beyond. The artists featured in COLLIDE have been inspired by their experiences in a region with a painful past. They also have complex social and economic divisions. Their expressions and artistic narratives bring a unique perspective to the Vineyard’s art scene, enriching the Island’s cultural landscape.
Image courtesy of Behance
Kara Taylor hopes the show will provide Vineyard viewers insight into the strong art scene in central and southern Africa and raise awareness of the value of shared studio spaces for artists. She wants to foster community and collective creativity through COLLIDE, encouraging more collaborative workspaces on the Vineyard.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, Kara Taylor plans to discuss with some featured artists and the creator of Cape Town’s Side Street Studios, Elad Kirschenbaum. This event, scheduled for August 30, will offer attendees a deeper understanding of the artists’ journeys and the environments that influence their work.
Overall, COLLIDE promises to be a transformative experience for art enthusiasts on Martha’s Vineyard and beyond, presenting an unparalleled opportunity to witness the convergence of two worlds through the lens of creativity and artistic expression.
