ALL BEING
“ALL BEING” - AN INVITATION FROM ARTISTS DANI LEBLANC & ALEXANDRA CHISOLM TO EXPLORE AND CELEBRATE THE INTRICACIES OF THE BLACK EXPERIENCE.
Art courtesy of: Ashley LaRue
Held at Ursa Gallery - in the heart of Bridgeport - ALL BEING was an opportunity to showcase all of the ways black creativity can make its voice heard - despite the constant attempts to stifle the sounds. Black joy has always been a major point of contention, and despite it all we continue to make space for creative expression.
Laughter is meant to be loud, our joy is meant to be experienced, and our art is meant to be shown.
Throughout the gallery’s run, the two hosted a series of interactive events centering the artists and their respective mediums - from @Ashley LaRue’s coloring pages to a live poetry reading by Sahmra Sawyer. The events offered viewers and contributors a chance to give a piece of themselves to the experience.
Open from June 11th to August 30th, the exhibition hosted work of various mediums by artists across the diaspora- each using their work to give visitors an intimate view of the world through their eyes.
Each artist was carefully selected with the express purpose of relaying the overarching message: Blackness is not a monolith - we are not destined for one predetermined path - be unapologetic in your exploration and expression of self.
Artist Blurbs courtesy of Alexandra Chisolm via @Allbeingexhibit
Needless to say, the show exemplified all of that and more. Alex and Dani’s love for art and the community they worked with to build this show shines through. With the support of the Bridgeport Arts & Cultural Council (BACC), we’re excited to see what comes next.
We had the opportunity to speak with them both a bit more about the experience and their closing sentiments after curating their first show.
Cafeteria: “All Being” is a callback—what is the origin, and how has its meaning evolved for you?
Dani: “All Being started as a thought I had a few years ago around my identity. It was always difficult for me to answer the question of who I am or what I do. I would always think, ‘Should I say everything? Or just pick one or two things?’ But it always felt weird to me, like I was putting myself in a box. Mainly because I have so many layers that make me, me - and more layers I continue to learn about myself.
When I think of black people, there’s so much history and layers that make us so magical. I wanted the show to feel like that special something you could not explain, but you can feel and understand on a deeper level. All Being is affirming and open-ended; for that reason, we wanted there to be room for everyone to find their own connection to the show. Giving people a little of everything all at once.
To know me is to know that All Being was a love letter to the city of Bridgeport. Thankful that Alex was with me to help deliver it.
What does authentic representation mean to you?
ALEX: People would choose a black girl or a black boy just to say there’s representation. But the authenticity of it is also about our truths, the stories we have to tell, the intention behind why we do what we do, the different perspectives and ways of expressing that to the world. Authentic representation is about fully being seen.. It’s not just for sh*ts and giggles; it’s understanding, appreciation, and genuine respect.
How did you approach representing the diversity of Black identity?
Dani: We approached representing the diversity of Black identity by first making sure we had a range of different art mediums represented in the show. We also wanted to make sure there were specific themes and the different experiences that shape how we see ourselves.
How much does an artist's personal story influence your decision to showcase their work?
Alex: I would say their personal stories are a plus. I don’t know if it influences my decision necessarily, but every creative and artist has a story that I’m sure adds to the “why” they’re creating anyway, which is always fire to learn about. I honestly think reading through the stories behind each piece submitted was such an emotionally charged moment for both Dani and me. Even reading through all of the artists’ bios was touching. It’s an honor for them even to share their art with the world, let alone feel comfortable sharing it with us.
How did you source and select artworks to form a cohesive narrative?
Dani: The artists in the show are peers, mentors, inspirations, and friends. Once the theme was confirmed, we sent outreach, and artists submitted work we felt connected to the show’s mission. We are so honored that the artists trusted us with their art.
What does it mean to you to create space for Black stories?
Alex: It means everything to me! Little me would be proud. I’m always searching, trying to find communities and safe spaces for me as a black, artsy creative from a city like Bridgeport, CT. They’re hard to come by, especially here. Sometimes you just have to create what you want to see.
Were there stereotypes or common narratives about Black identity that you intentionally wanted to challenge?
Dani: Most definitely. One of the biggest things I wanted to challenge was the idea that Black identity can be easily defined and narrowed. We intentionally wanted to show that Blackness can hold many things at once and be unapologetic about it. We wanted to move beyond a single narrative and create space for the fullness and complexity of Black experience through creative expression.
If someone only remembered one idea from this exhibition, what would you want it to be?
Alex: Be all you can be. The vision is yours.
Photos courtesy of: @Blestphotos
How do you navigate the tension between creating work from your personal experience and speaking to a broader Black experience?
Dani: For me, it’s about understanding that although my experience is personal, people can relate and connect with my work. That’s why representation in these spaces is so important to have. Art has a way of bringing people together and starting conversations that we might not otherwise have. And those conversations can create space for connection and healing. We need more spaces like that, especially for us.
What’s your favorite piece in the collection and why?
Alex, I don’t have a favorite. I feel drawn and connected to each piece differently. I’m going to miss walking into the exhibit so much. The curation of the show, the flow and placement of each art piece, and the installations Dani and I added to the space. The entire show feels like a well-needed hug when I’m in there.
Did creating for, or curating this exhibition change the way you understand your own identity?
Dani: That’s a great question. I would say it reinforced/validated my understanding of my identity. There are a lot of things I understand about myself, but working on this show was confirmation and brought it all out at once, honestly!
What’s next for you, both as individuals and as a duo?
Alex: Honestly, once the show comes down, we have so many meetings lined up for future projects, sooo obviously there’s so much more to come for All Being. But also just supporting each other with our personal endeavors as well, whether that’s design, photography, music - you never know. I love a good side quest!
Dani: There’s so much we plan to do with All Being, so I would say stay tuned! But individually, I will continue to accept bookings for photography and sharpen/expand my craft. There’s honestly so much I want to tap into for real. The sky is the limit.
Works by: Antquanette Chisolm, Arvia Walker, Ashley LaRue, Dani Leblanc, Elisha Brockenberry, Gary Pivot, Jean Benoit, Marquis Brantley, Portrait Pat, Remy Sosa, Saint Phifer, Spencer Stovell, Sydney Bell, Tang Russ, & Yves François Wilson
