Harlem’s hidden treasures
Every Tuesday, Kim Dacres embarks on a unique journey through Harlem. This routine, dubbed “Tire Tuesday,” involves gathering discarded tires and bicycle parts, the cornerstone of her evocative artwork. Startlingly detailed, her sculptures explore profound themes of resilience and empowerment. A visit to Bolt Bike Shop on Frederick Douglass Boulevard marks the start, where shopkeepers Marcelo and Nelson have become allies in her artistic endeavor since 2021.
Exhibition spotlight: “Lost on a Two Way Street”
Dacres’s current exhibition at Charles Moffett, “Lost on a Two Way Street,” showcases 18 sculptures crafted from rubber and reclaimed parts. These works delve into the pressing issues of oppression in America, focusing on marginalized groups. This exhibition builds upon her earlier series, “Crossroads Like This,” addressing global struggles and human rights abuses with unparalleled intensity.
Similarly, witness how Moffat Takadiwa transforms Harare’s plastic debris into commentaries on colonialism and ecology.
A sensory journey with rubber
Dacres appreciates the ubiquitous nature of rubber, remarking on its ties to transportation, resilience, and even scent. “It smells like home,” she says, recalling her upbringing in the Bronx. This connection to mobility and freedom permeates her art, revealing the stories objects carry and their profound emotional landscapes.
Explore more on transforming everyday objects with Jongjin Park’s recycled paper ceramic sculptures that celebrate contrasts.
She emphasizes, “When I meet people, they’re flattened by their labels. My work is a tribute to everyone who’s inspired me.” With each sculpture, Dacres pays homage to the unseen textures of lives woven through her community.
Honoring memories and music
Her latest series, “Forget Me Nots,” features intricate braids and reddish hues, signifying deep social ties and mental well-being. Named after Patrice Rushen’s 1982 song, these pieces immortalize joyful encounters in her neighborhood. Titles like “Top Bun with Two Chains” capture these poignant mental snapshots.
Music profoundly influences her work; Stevie Wonder’s “As” guides “Until the ocean covers every mountain high (Blue Gears).” This piece embodies limitless love, reflected through her community and herself.
Tackling contemporary issues
Dacres’s work transcends personal stories, addressing broader themes like climate change and LGBTQ+ rights. Her vibrant creation, “(Blue Gears),” emerged during Hurricane Melissa, symbolizing environmental crises. Other works, such as “The day is night and night becomes the day (Gears & Chains Headdress),” confront mental health issues.
Through recycled materials, Dacres offers a poignant critique on societal barriers and rights. She states, “We don’t just pop into a place. Our surroundings shape us.” Her artistry, grounded in the everyday yet speaking universal truths, continues to challenge and inspire.
Source: hyperallergic.com