What's Happening?
The Fabric Workshop and Museum in Philadelphia is currently showcasing two exhibitions that explore the artistic legacy of Moki Cherry. The exhibitions, titled 'The Living Temple: The World of Moki Cherry,'
feature a blend of artwork and archival records that highlight the collaborative performances of Moki Cherry and her husband, trumpeter Don Cherry, during the 1970s. Moki Cherry's tapestries and paintings were integral to their performances, creating immersive environments for audiences. The exhibitions include the largest collection of Moki Cherry's artwork to appear in North America, featuring her tapestries, paintings, posters, sketches, and videos. Moki Cherry, born Monica Karlsson in 1943 in Sweden, was a student at Beckmans Designhögskola in Stockholm, where she met Don Cherry in 1963. Together, they created experimental soundscapes that transcended traditional jazz boundaries.
Why It's Important?
These exhibitions are significant as they offer a comprehensive look at Moki Cherry's contributions to the arts, particularly in the context of collaborative and immersive performances. By showcasing the largest collection of her work in North America, the exhibitions provide insight into the radical power of artistic creation in communal settings. Moki Cherry's work, alongside Don Cherry's musical innovations, played a pivotal role in challenging the commercialization of music and promoting experimental soundscapes. The exhibitions highlight the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in the arts and the impact of cultural exchange between Sweden and the United States during a time of social and political upheaval.
What's Next?
The exhibitions at the Fabric Workshop and Museum are expected to attract art enthusiasts and scholars interested in the intersection of visual arts and music. The museum may continue to explore similar themes in future exhibitions, fostering a deeper understanding of the role of art in social movements and cultural exchanges. Additionally, the exhibitions could inspire contemporary artists to explore collaborative and immersive art forms, drawing on the legacy of Moki and Don Cherry's work.
Beyond the Headlines
The exhibitions delve into the ethical and cultural dimensions of Moki Cherry's work, emphasizing the importance of creating art that challenges societal norms and promotes inclusivity. By highlighting the collaborative nature of Moki and Don Cherry's performances, the exhibitions underscore the potential for art to serve as a catalyst for social change and community building. The exhibitions also reflect on the historical context of the 1970s, a period marked by political unrest and cultural shifts, and how these factors influenced the Cherrys' artistic endeavors.
