Xenobia Bailey, Steal Away, National Black Theatre, Harlem, Manhattan, 2023
About
“Steal Away,” is an exhibition by fiber artist and cultural activist Xenobia Bailey located on 5th Avenue, 125th Street, and 126th Street in Harlem. The 500-foot-long artwork is installed on the construction fencing surrounding the future home of the longest-running Black theater in New York City, National Black Theatre (NBT). Honoring the First Nation Territory of the Munsee Lenape People, “Steal Away” is amalgamation of ideas and aesthetics specific to the indigenous Lenape, NBT, and the artist’s personal history.
Throughout her early career, Bailey attended workshops and courses at NBT. She cites Dr. Barbara Ann Teer’s Theory of “The Power of Soul Technique,” the education she received at the theatre, and her mother’s domestic textile aesthetic as integral to her pursuit of art.
To create this piece, Bailey took up hook and yarn to crochet the foundation; then, by digitizing her crochet-work, she created an artwork that was printed on vinyl and placed on scaffolding sheds surrounding the construction site.
The imagery in “Steal Away” is a “Funktional Design” remix of the handmade domestic textiles of rural and urban African American Homemakers and urban pop-culture referring to music and graphic design. It also features archival photographs from performances presented at National Black Theatre. Elements like eyes, feathers, crowns, and celestial bodies punctuate the artwork calling in a “Cosmic Funky” aesthetic while referencing various forms of cultural symbolism. The artwork acknowledges the impact of NBT theatrical work to transform the often afflicted lineage of Black Life experiences into a rejuvenating theatrical ceremony.
Click here to read the full Press Release Click here to listen to the artist speak about her work
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. For information on how we use and store your personal data, please view our Privacy Policy. Cookie SettingsACCEPT
Privacy & Cookie Policy
Privacy Overview
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. The cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.