"Living in and on the URBAN BUBBLE is precarious at best. Being young, gifted and black does not equate with being understood and encouraged by the systems that be. Moving through the turmoil we, as artists, seek to define ourselves and project our realities into the future, owning our narratives and images."
The Bubbler, in collaboration with Faisal Abdu’Allah and MMSD’s Foundations Central graduation recovery program located at the Urban League of Greater Madison, presents an art exhibition by Madison youth. Over a 9-week course held in the Bubbler Room at Central Library, URBAN BUBBLE is the culmination of conversations and productions that celebrated identity, excellence and the powers within each individual.
Recently shown at:
Overture Center for the Arts
Rotunda Gallery
December 13, 2019 - January 31, 2020
Behind-the-Scenes
"Painted Space"
“I took all of my favorite things that make me feel happy, and created my special place. I love thunderstorms, the full moon, Sci-Fi, and colorful things. This image represents my inner and outer self.”
"Contemplating Cracks in the Universe"
"There have been times where I have felt cracks in my life. My mind is on fire trying to come to a conclusion. It’s like my mind is a puzzle rearranging everyday, trying to silence itself. But in the end, it saves me."
CHECK OUT the next steps Artemas took in his exploration of career and self through an internship with the library where he learned the basic duties of a Library Page under the guidance of Librarian, Liz Amundson, and developed his public art exhibition "DESIRES OF VISION" under the mentorship of Media Projects Bubblerarian, Rob "Rob Dz" Franklin.
"Ariez"
“I don’t think about it, I just do it…it’s like makeup, working with colors, blending and shading. I am able to create me, I am in control of my own image.”
"All Out"
“I feel like I can do something in life that I didn’t think I could before...This painting reflects where I want to be in the future.”
"Royalty"
“When people look at this I want them to see that I am bright and driven. I chose the colors I did because they are radiant and powerful like me.”
"Just Me Doing Me"
“This painting represents who I am, full of energy all the time...free being me.”
