YI Writers Meet With Artist-in-Residence K8 Hardy
Mar 30, 2012
Artist-in-Residence K8 Hardy introduces her artwork to Youth Insights Writers, March 2012. Photograph by Berry Stein
On March 6, YI Writers forgot the stresses of everyday responsibilities as they listened to K8 Hardy share her work. Hardy is an artist who eclectically represents herself through her vibrant, unexpected sense of style. She discussed her art practice that is as malleable as she is, exuding an aura of relaxed creativity and fun.
Hardy showed a PowerPoint presentation of her previous works that ranged from spontaneously performed online videos in New Report: Morning Edition, 2005 to self-portraits that attempt to redefine fashion, painted wear, and her ’zine, FashionFashion. Hardy will work with YI Writers to develop an understanding of our innate, shape-shifting sensibilities and hone each of our alter egos as a medium to create art, writing, and a collective ’zine.
We toured part of the Whitney’s Biennial 2012 exhibition, exploring her pieces and the processes behind them. In an era dominated by computer screens and digitized culture, Hardy uses a darkroom to create her photographic images and manually-printed 'zines. These media choices create a classic simplicity and reveal her unique ingenuity.
YI Writers Julia, Chloe, Wiley, Michelle, and Niki discuss K8 Hardy's work in the 2012 Biennial, March 2012. Photograph by Berry Stein
Having seen her work, I think visiting the Whitney Biennial and experiencing K8 Hardy's pieces in person is the best way to understand them. Hardy is collaborating with Oscar Tuazon, another Biennial artist, on sculptural components that will become a stage for her live fashion show at the Whitney on May 20.
By Michelle, YI Writer