The Survivors: A Discussion with Four Creators Who Have Transformed Crisis into Art

On September 27, 2008, 2-to-5pm, Full Spectrum and Danny Simmons’ Corridor Gallery will present “The Survivors,” a panel discussion and audience Q&A with four creators whose work reflects a personal experience with crisis.

Panelists Jesse C. Alick, Paul Jansen, Neycha, and Nancy Schwartzman, together with moderator Garnette Cadogan, will draw upon their experiences with HIV, cancer, homicide, sexual assault, and Hurricane Katrina to explore the question, “How do we continue after facing the unthinkable?”. This free event will begin with an acoustic performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter, Morley.

Playwright/Poet/Zen Master Jesse C. Alick is artistic director for Subjective Theatre Company, associate producer for Smokin’ Word Productions, and assistant to the artistic director of the Public Theater. His articles and poetry have been published by XY, A&U, POZ, and others. He has been commissioned to write plays for Streetlight Productions, Freedom Train Productions, and Working Man’s Clothes. Alick was diagnosed with HIV in 2001. His work explores a range of issues, informed by the perspective of being young, gifted, black, queer, and out-positive.

Painter Paul Jansen was Artist-in-Residence at Jimi Hendrix’ Electric Lady studios during Hendrix’ final tour. Jansen’s work has appeared in Rolling Stone Magazine, Playboy, and the Village Voice, and includes album covers for the posthumous Hendrix’ releases, War Heroes, and Loose Ends. Jansen was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2007. Recently being awarded the Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant for Painting has reinforced Jansen in doing what he was born to do: paint.

Filmmaker Nancy Schwartzman is an activist creating community solutions to combat sexual violence and promote public debate. Her documentary film, The Line, is a personal journey that explores consent with a daring stylistic approach. Her women’s safety website, NYC-Safestreets.org, has garnered attention citywide and internationally

Musician/Transformational Counselor K. Neycha Herford was named “1 of 4 Soul Singers You Need to Know About Now” by Trace magazine, and “A New American Badass” by Time Out New York. An expert in the field of human consciousness and in private practice for ten years, Neycha also serves as the resident advice columnist for ebonyjet.com. In 2002, her fiance, Ed Pinkett, was murdered in an unsolved robbery/homicide. Her work can also be seen here.

Writer Garnette Cadogan writes and lectures on arts and culture, with particular focus on the Caribbean. He has written for Transition, Vibe, and the Caribbean Review of Books, among other publications, and is currently at work on a book about Bob Marley. Cadogan relocated to New York City after Hurricane Katrina.

Tags: corridor gallery, danny simmons, Garnette Cadogan, Hurricane Katrina, Jesse C. Alick, K. Neycha Herford, Morley, Nancy Schwartzman, Neycha, NYC-Safestreets.org, Paul Jansen

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