In late September, the Greenstein Lab (The LAB) hosted a group of UW scholars including students and faculty from the School and other departments across campus for a unique opportunity to meet with acclaimed Black American artist, curator and educator Howardena Pindell. Pindell is a pathbreaking painter active since the 1960s whose work has broad implications for multimedia and feminist art practice over the past forty years.
The UW-Pindell meeting occurred in coordination with the artist's scheduled visit to the LAB, whose latest installation centered on Pindell’s work. Supported by the School’s Division of Art History, the group trip gained enthusiastic participation from faculty and students from the School’s Painting + Drawing program and other units across campus including DxArts, the Department of Women, Gender and Sexualities Studies, and School of Drama.
Pindell shared her perspectives on life and art in an illuminating conversation with the students, faculty and staff who attended. From the origins of “the dot” in her practice, to advice on how to make one’s own work more archival, Pindell exuded humor as she imparted wisdom to a rapt audience.
This kind of opportunity for small-group exchange with an internationally important artist provides students with the kind of stimulating intellectual and creative experience that helps fuel their own growth as creators, writers, and thinkers.
We send our gratitude to the LAB for creating a space for learning. And, a special thank you to co-founder Judy Greenstein, for extending us the invitation to this special opportunity.