Azekiwe Providence
My body of work explores conversations on how art reflects and interacts with everyday life in communities that have a history of poverty; social class challenges and struggles; political turmoil; and underrepresentation.
I capture the visual language that is spoken within these reclaimed spaces by their own authors in various expressive artistic forms, created for public consumption.
These “forgotten” spaces house artistic gems embedded with visual messaging that I aim to provide an authentic account of before the conversation is erased.
As these spaces are being transformed and innovated into the 21st century, along with diversity, equity and inclusion platforms the narrative of the spaces and the people inhabiting them past and present are now having recognizable worth.
The codified language with simple messaging has received recognition that uplift inner cities. Additionally, avenues for artistic expression have been created that iconize Hip Hop figures and use the sensibilities of graffiti writing (vibrant color, collage, marriage of text and figuration)appearing in all neighborhoods, are to be recorded accurately and authentically.
Accordingly, the narrative of who is telling the story and who has the document of it, must shift as well and be told by many who come from these communities.
In my study I have found that other cities across the country and world with similar histories are going through a similar transformation.
As an educator I use my art in context and utilize the community as the classroom to educate and make connections/ correlations points of interaction that hopefully inspire others to realize their potential and promote further investigation of such.
BIO
Azekiwe (pronounced ah-zee-quay) Providence is a native New Yorker of African-American and Puerto Rican roots.
He is a photographer, documentarian,, arts educator and community curator; especially interested in the social and political impact connected to artistic movements of expression found in graffiti writing, aerosol and street art.
Most recent artistic endeavors include::
- 2018 Resolution Project Fellow (middle school to high school college prep initiative, NYC);
- “A Thirst for Art” group exhibitions 2022 (New Rochelle, NY) ;
- photograph and video coverage of the annual Boone Avenue community graffiti celebration 2022- 2024 (The Bronx, New York);
- photograph and video coverage of The Graffiti Hall of Fame 47th & 48th anniversary celebrations 2023-204 (Harlem, New York City).
Additionally, he co-curated youth led community murals at;
- Central Park’s Wollman Rink 2022-present (New York City);
- The Harlem School of the Arts 2022-present (Harlem, NYC); and
- Inclusive World (IW) Gallery/ COPE NYC 2024.
The name Azekiwe carries the meaning of “tomorrow’s leader”, as such his role as an educator is to nurture and inspire young people to be curious, lifelong learners that can empower them in all that they do.
Azekiwe’s creative talents have afforded the opportunity to facilitate the ‘Painting Walls’ workshop at The Harlem School of the Arts guiding students on murals creation in public spaces. 2024 marks a third season working with HSA on several upcoming community projects:collaboration with the NYC partners.
Mr Providence is a baccalaureate of the City University of New York (Lehman College) in art history specializing in graffiti writing.
Whether it is the blink of his eye or the snap of a camera shutter to physically commemorate a moment in his hometown, Azekiwe continues to further his appreciation of these creative forms of abstract expression into developing an extensive repository of photographs; continue to capture first-hand accounts from practitioners; and educate through community curation. Let the conversation continue.
