{"id":6299,"date":"2017-02-25T09:48:33","date_gmt":"2017-02-25T14:48:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/occhimagazine.com\/?p=6299"},"modified":"2020-10-22T07:34:27","modified_gmt":"2020-10-22T11:34:27","slug":"pictures-at-an-african-exhibition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/occhimagazine.com\/pictures-at-an-african-exhibition\/","title":{"rendered":"Pictures at an African Exhibition"},"content":{"rendered":"<body><p><\/p>In his own words, Darryl Yokley describes his project. \u201cWe are almost ready to release our upcoming album, <em>Pictures at an African Exhibition<\/em>, but we need YOUR help to reach our last few steps! Please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/pictures-at-an-african-exhibition-album-funding-music-art#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">check out our campaign<\/a>, to see what we are doing and how you can be a part of our creative process! I\u2019ve put up some perks that you will find to be very interesting, including signed copies of the album, prints of the art work, as well as art and music commissions and more! Let\u2019s make this album come to life together!\n<p><div class=\"jaw_msg jaw_msg_type_warning\">Template: quote not exist!<\/div><div class=\"jaw_msg jaw_msg_type_warning\">Template: clear not exist!<\/div><\/p>\n<p>Sound Reformation and I have been performing this music for about the past three years with my regular band consisting of Zaccai Curtis on piano, Luques Curtis on bass, Wayne Smith, Jr. on the drums, and our special guest Nasheet Waits on the drums. \u00a0The\u00a0project has grown each time we have performed the music; and we recently documented the music over the course of a year from 2015-2016, first with recording the small group, and then with the wind ensemble. \u00a0Finally, each piece of music is accompanied by an original work-of-art work, created by London based artist David Emmanuel Noel.<\/p>\n<p>[su_youtube url=\u201dhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=zJkOTD9mZ4c\u201d]<\/p>\n<p>Now in the final phase we are hoping to raise funds \u00a0for the mixing, mastering, packaging, \u00a0and distribution, as well as promotional and marketing cost. \u00a0With certain levels of contributions, you will be able to receive some amazing perks, such as early copies of the album, signed copies of the album, prints of the art work, and more!\u00a0\u00a0 This project is 100% completely independent and while our\u00a0desired target mark is $6,000, if we do not reach this cost we will still put all contributions towards the completion of this project. \u00a0If we are fortunate enough to receive more than our desired cost we will use these funds to promote the album to the best of our ability to make it a success; and if we receive further funding from this campaign it would go towards the budget for recording\u00a0the second part of this music and arts collaboration.<\/p>\n<p>With art programs across the country constantly taking budget cuts and some being removed from the schools, I am hoping this project will be able to come to fruition to serve as an example for younger generations to come as to what is possible, if they use\u00a0their creative powers. \u00a0In this project, I have drawn inspiration from African art and music, jazz music, classical music, as well as the artwork of David, and other visual artists and much more to create this jazz symphony. I am also hopeful that with the themes we\u2019ve explored in this project we can see that although we all have differences in our various cultures across the world, we all have more in common\u00a0than we have differences.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for your time and consideration, and I hope you will find this project deserving of your support. \u00a0Even if you are not able to donate at this time, even spreading the words to friends and family about this project, it would be most appreciated and hopefully garner more support to bring it to life. \u00a0Once again, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>I had an opportunity to speak with Darryl and David about the project. The interview was both insightful and engaging. Check out the interview below.<\/p>\n<p>[su_youtube url=\u201dhttps:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=__2vhMog4zg\u201d]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tell us about your fundraiser for the <em>Pictures at an African Exhibition<\/em>.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>DY:<\/strong> This fundraiser is to help us finish our second album, <em>Pictures at an African Exhibition<\/em>. We have many great rewards for those who donate to the campaign including early copies of the album, signed copies of the album, the new album plus the old one, combinations of these and more . . . and that\u2019s just with the music. Then, we get to the art work and there\u2019s even MORE options! It\u2019s really an art lovers dream! The proceeds will help us pay for mixing, mastering, packaging, distribution, and promotion.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6308\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6308\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DY1.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6308\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DY1-1024x683.jpg?resize=640%2C426&ssl=1\" alt=\"Darryl Yokley\" width=\"640\" height=\"426\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DY1.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1 1024w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DY1.jpg?resize=300%2C200&ssl=1 300w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DY1.jpg?resize=768%2C512&ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DY1.jpg?resize=72%2C49&ssl=1 72w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DY1.jpg?w=1280&ssl=1 1280w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DY1.jpg?w=1920&ssl=1 1920w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6308\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Darryl Yokley<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Tell me\u00a0about the art prints you\u2019re offering in the rewards. What can backers expect?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>DN:<\/strong> Most of the work is an interpretation of Darryl\u2019s titled tracks. Limited prints of all my work, including pieces inspired by the album, are available. Moreover, I am available for bespoke commissions for donors providing substantial contributions. A full account of the rewards is available on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/pictures-at-an-african-exhibition-album-funding-music-art\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">crowdfunding page<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>DY:<\/strong> We are mainly promoting the artwork from the album, but it is not limited to that. If you love the artwork from the album, and would like to explore David\u2019s wonderful work, even more, I encourage donors to do so! I\u2019m sure donors will agree upon exploring David\u2019s work that there is no shortage of great works to choose from.<\/p>\n<p><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DD.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignright wp-image-6306\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DD.jpg?resize=450%2C441&ssl=1\" alt=\"Pictures at an African Exhibition\" width=\"450\" height=\"441\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DD.jpg?w=731&ssl=1 731w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DD.jpg?resize=300%2C294&ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a>How did you choose the art pieces for the campaign?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>DN.<\/strong> Most of the work was created with the album in mind. To be honest, this is a portfolio in progress and will probably continue as a theme-of-work beyond completion of the album. The artwork is through the recognisable lenses of figurative and contemporary work, but other pieces form a more unconventional and abstract recognition, where the use and expression of colour, something historically associated with the continent and Diaspora is the prominent feature. As an avid jazz fan, my work is produced in a studio, where the music is the backdrop, influencing every stroke of a brush and fusion of colours on each canvas. The paintings are my visual interpretations and dialogue with each track. I encourage viewers to explore the connection between the music, colour, motion, and energy. That way, you\u2019ll find the images marry with many, if not all, the musical compositions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>DY:<\/strong> I believe the art pieces chose David, just as the music chose me. And it\u2019s quite amazing that, in some cases, David came up with more than one great interpretation per musical track that is a blessing and a curse. It\u2019s great to have options, but it\u2019s going to be hard to choose between many quality works.<\/p>\n<p><strong>I\u00a0love the idea of blending art with music. There is an interest in seeing this combination. What are your thoughts on his?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>DY:<\/strong> I think artists\u00a0should reach across the aisle more often, and draw inspiration from other artistic outlets. This project was inspired by Modest Moussurgsky\u2019s orchestral work <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/pictures-at-an-african-exhibition-album-funding-music-art\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Pictures at an Exhibition<\/a><\/em>, where he wrote a symphony after being inspired by paintings of one of his close friends.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6309\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6309\" style=\"width: 450px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DN.jpg?ssl=1\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-6309\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DN-793x1024.jpg?resize=450%2C581&ssl=1\" alt=\"David Emmanuel Noel\" width=\"450\" height=\"581\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DN.jpg?resize=793%2C1024&ssl=1 793w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DN.jpg?resize=232%2C300&ssl=1 232w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DN.jpg?resize=768%2C992&ssl=1 768w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/occhimagazine.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/02\/DN.jpg?w=993&ssl=1 993w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 450px) 100vw, 450px\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6309\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">David Emmanuel Noel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>DN:<\/strong> The arts should be fluid enough to fuse the more recognised mediums. The very existence of the creative sector and the industry depends on the artist\u2019s ability to reinvent, challenge and influence how or what we communicate and what medium. \u00a0I think it\u2019s particularly important, when we discuss the African Diaspora and exploit mediums we do control to fully understand the continent\u2019s people, its history, influence and the world\u2019s interdependence on a landmass, with over one billion people. The capturing of a continent\u2019s milestones, from the celebration of life and execution of cultural creativity, to human struggle and emancipation of a Diaspora, needs to be told in an amalgam of ways. Music and paintings serve each other well in exploring how we react emotionally to the album\u2019s theme.<\/p>\n<p>My contribution forms my own Black European perspective on aspects of African history, the continent and its peoples. Within the confines of the album tracks, the work is an interpretation of the continent\u2019s spirit, its growth from the cradle of civilization to a mature, but exploited and hugely vulnerable mass, scarred by consistent and violent approaches of foreign powers as parasites, feeding on its natural wealth and human resources.<\/p>\n<p>Yet, the continent survives, growing in resistance and encouraging its children to be the architects of a Diasporas renaissance, celebrating all is has and will be; forever great. It is has an emotional pull and the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/pictures-at-an-african-exhibition-album-funding-music-art\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> album\/project<\/a> appeals and addresses this.<\/p>\n<p>As I mentioned, I would like to extend this as a theme of my work; the subject matter is a portfolio in itself. With Darryl, it would be nice to see this exhibited and performed in different locations in both the US and Europe. It is a project that Darryl could explore further, introducing perhaps other artistic mediums, such as dance or spoken word to accommodate other artistic interpretations.<\/p>\n<p><strong>We love the idea you included concert tickets as a reward. Tell us more about the concert. What could a backer expect?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>DY:<\/strong> Well, that\u2019s the great thing about this reward. It can be ANY concert of the purchaser\u2019s choice. It\u2019s limited to the Tri-state area essentially, because that\u2019s where we are based so it would be hard for me to promise it to people not in the area and have them waiting a long time for us to come to their city.<\/p>\n<p><strong>You\u2019re still a ways from your funding goal. Do you have any additional plans to raise funds?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>DY:<\/strong> Yes we are unfortunately a ways a way. The campaign is set to end this Saturday, but if we don\u2019t reach our goal by then I have the option to extend it an additional 15-days so readers of this article . . . it won\u2019t be too late! We are hoping with more exposure through social media and by word-of-mouth, we will be able to make our goal. We\u2019re down, but we\u2019re not out yet!<\/p>\n<p><strong>Is there anything else you would like to say about the campaign?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>DN:<\/strong> It\u2019s both an honor and pleasure to collaborate with Darryl and his talented colleagues. It\u2019s humbling to have been invited to contribute to the making of the album. The experience of fundraising for arts projects can be troublesome, but equally rewarding when progress is made and you accomplish something unique and worthwhile. This is something I am definitely proud to be associated with, and I hope contributors to the campaign will feel the same way.<\/p>\n<p>Thank you for your time. I wish you much success with your campaign! If you would like to contribute, please <a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/pictures-at-an-african-exhibition-album-funding-music-art\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">visit their IndieGoGo campaign and make a donation<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Connect with Darryl and David:<\/p>\n<p>Darryl is on Twitter at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DarrylYokley\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/DarrylYokley<\/a>.<br>\nDavid is on Twitter at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/DavidENoel\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/twitter.com\/DavidENoel<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Campaign contributions can be made at\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/pictures-at-an-african-exhibition-album-funding-music-art#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.indiegogo.com\/projects\/pictures-at-an-african-exhibition-album-funding-music-art#\/<\/a><\/p>\n<\/body>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In his own words, Darryl Yokley describes his project. \u201cWe are almost ready to 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