Working with civic leaders and Coopisa, a health and social services organization that oversees refugee and immigrant health, Simms set up a camera in the local piazza of San Roberto, a small village in the Southern, Calabrian region of Italy that has embraced the incorporation of immigrants from African countries and the SWANA region. Standing in front of a green screen backdrop, participants answered the question: “If you could be anywhere right now, where would you want to be?” Through a post-production editing process, their wishes were granted, transporting them to their fantasy locations within the context of the place where they live.
As artists-in-residence, Gruman and Simms will collaborate on a new video at the BAC. With current international border closings and racial and social injustices causing barriers to mobility across the United States, as well as an upcoming national election, the artists ask people the same question, “Where do you want to be?”
Gruman is a video montage and installation artist from Somerville, Massachusetts. Combining her passion for intellectual investigation with her love of material play and showmanship, she hopes her work will spark people’s curiosity and critical discussion. Simms’ works are rooted in photography’s history and the moving image with interests in language, labor, citizenship, and migration. Her work on same-sex marriage was featured on the BBC World News America television program.
Vivo Qui and Sono Qui (the latter being the new project) will be on view in the Annex Gallery at the BAC, which is viewable 24/7 from Monmouth Park. Filming for the project will take place in Monmouth Park on Sunday, October 11, from 12:00-5:00 PM and Saturday, October 17, from 12:00-5:00 PM. To participate, reserve your 10-minute spot by emailing Lex Vazquez at lex@brooklineartscenter.com. Participants in this project must adhere to strict protocols relating to COVID-19 and must follow regulations established by the CDC and state of MA. Learn more about the protocols and the exhibition at www.brooklineartscenter.com.
The BAC is a visual arts center committed to bringing the community meaningful experiences in the arts through classes, exhibitions, and outreach.
