Hi-ARTS, New York City’s premiere incubator for urban art, recently announced its new cohort of artists-in-residence. The East Harlem nonprofit helps artists — like Radha Blank, Ebony Noelle Golden, Nona Hendryx, Marc Bamuthi Joseph and Dominique Morisseau — develop their works of art into masterpieces, whether they be theater, music dance, visual arts or multi-media. Other artists who have performed or been involved with Hi-ARTS include the late Chadwick Boseman, Yasiin Bey/Mos Def and Sarah Jones.
First up is Friday Lynton, a Brooklyn-based Guyanese-American metal artisan known for her amazing sculptures. Lynton is a resident of SKY LAB, Hi-ARTS’ program that supports socially engaged artists who center community in the development and research of their work, including practitioners who create outside of the traditional studio or theater.
“Our latest cohort brings such a vast array of talents and narratives that are the here and now of art in America,” said Hi-ARTS Executive Director Aaron L. McKinney. “We are looking forward to supporting them on their journey of discovery as they develop their bold new works, and we warmly welcome each of them into the Hi-ARTS family.”
Hi-ARTS will present “An Artisan & Her Process” February 8-10 at its creative space. “An Artisan & Her Process” marks a turning point in Lynton’s creative process. Over the past decade much of Friday’s creative portfolio up has explored the relationship between metal and the body — creating one-of-a-kind, high-fashion metal garments to be worn. Her time as a SKY LAB Artist-in-Residence has granted her the opportunity to expand her metalwork into new territories — literally. Taking on new shapes, and representations of landscapes with a topographical nature, and characteristic of ecosystems, Lynton’s large-scale metal atmospheres spark a conversation on the relationship between metal and the environment. “An Artisan & Her Process” will envelope audiences in Friday’s literal process with an inside look into her exploration of her materials. With audio, video, notes capturing her musings, audiences will also be able to touch and join in crafting a Metal Object.
And this Thursday, February 10th at 7 p.m., Hi-ARTS will host a live, virtual discussion with Lynton, who will expand upon her new work in her exhibition “An Artisan & Her Process” as well as her ongoing community-centered, performative body of work Variables Pending. The event will be facilitated by Hi-ARTS Curator in Residence, Kirya Traber.
Friday Lynton: An Artisan & Her Process, February 8-10, 2022 at Hi-Arts, 215 East 99th Street (PS109 Art Space), NYC. This Event is Free and open to the public. A timed-entry reservation is required. Reserve Here.