Ailey’s Musical Constellations Session 1

Using the exhibition Edges of Ailey as a point of departure, this two-part course investigates the deep connections between Black musical traditions and artistic expression, highlighting how these influences extend beyond music to shape visual and conceptual art. Focusing on genres such as jazz, swing, spirituals, and blues, the course considers how both Ailey and the artists in his orbit weave the rhythms, history, and emotional resonance of these musical genres into their work. Through the lens of "musicking”—an active process of creating, participating in, and experiencing music —participants will gain a deeper appreciation of Ailey’s artistry and its profound impact on generations of artists, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries. 

Jazz, Swing, and Musical Abstraction Part One explores the interdisciplinary influence of jazz and swing, connecting the musical elements characteristic of these genres—such as syncopation and improvisation— with the abstract works of artists like Sam Gilliam and Norman Lewis. This exploration of musical abstraction also includes abstract portraits of legendary performers by artists including Terry Adkins and Beauford Delaney, who drew inspiration from stars like Jimi Hendrix and Charlie Parker.