to be held and holding
to be held and holding: Exploring Collaboration in Art – A Hammock Residency Exhibition April 2021
Step right in and immerse yourself in the world of collaborative artistry at “to be held and holding,” an exquisite exhibition presented by the 2021 Hammock Residency artists.
This showcase features the innovative works of the new residents: Estraven Lupino Smith, Sarah Lum, Carly Pokoradi, and Otis Elevator Ashtabula Bell. Each artist brings their unique perspective and creative flair to the table, promising a diverse and captivating display of artistic talent.
Adding a touch of archival activation to the mix is Heidi Nagtegaal, whose contribution deepens the resonance of this collaborative venture.
Guiding this artistic journey is the co-facilitation duo, Zandi Dandizette and Hammock Residency. Their expert curation and facilitation have woven together a tapestry of artistic expression, offering an engaging and thought-provoking experience for all visitors.
“to be held and holding” is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of collaboration, where diverse artistic voices merge, intertwine, and create something truly extraordinary. From visual delights to thought-provoking concepts, this showcase embodies the essence of collective creativity.
Join us at Hammock Residency as we delve into this collaborative art space, where art knows no bounds and innovation thrives in every stroke, installation, and creation.
Welcome to “to be held and holding” an exhibition by 2021 Hammock Residency artists New Residents: Estraven Lupino Smith, Sarah Lum, Carly Pokoradi, and Otis Elevator Ashtabula Bell Archival Activation: Heidi Nagtegaal Co-facilitated by Zandi Dandizette and Hammock Residency. Sign made by everywherejustin in collaboration with @hammockresidency back in 2013. Photos by @heidinagtegaal
The first thing folks saw when they came into the show was the porch of the JBG which was a Hammock Residency performance space by @heidinagtegaal
In short, everyone got a key. Long story, below:
The porch was covered with christmas lights, and an archival Hammock Residency installation / intervention – basically Heidi’s living room + kitchen were transposed in the space – because the Hammock was birthed in Heidi’s home.
For years, “the hammock” was synonymous with “heidi nagtegaal” and after 7 years, the hammock as people knew it closed (2009-2016) and then went underground. This show was the first public offering since that time. Hammock found a new structure in 2020 when @bartholomew.sophia + @heidinagtegaal + carmen.papalia wrote a few grants and proposed a new way to get hammock back from the dead.
The rest is history, and this show is a part of that.
When people came into the space, the first thing they got was a key on a yellow string, that was hanging off the bulbs of the christmas lights that covered the entry way.
The keys came from @homehardware where Heidi worked for the last days of paying off their student loans, before starting their own business (@tarottimeswithheidi) and started making waves to re-opening hammock.
“The keys might not be ones that go to my house anymore, but everyone can have a key to the hammock now.
The hammock can live on as an idea that can be bigger than my house can ever hold. Now my home is just for me, my pets, and my partner, my friends + family, and hammock can belong to the world.
I tried to throw my arms around the world, and it was a beautiful experience, but at the end of the day, I am just one person. I am excited to see Hammock live on in this new structure”
– Heidi
Night of photos. This space was filled with people all night long, but we didn’t photograph them for privacy purposes.
Reactivation of the historical hammock vibes relocated on the front porch of the James Black Gallery. Serving tea and conversation all night long, all welcome. You got adorned with a key to the ephemeral hammock and then could stay and chat with us, or go inside.
Hammock Installation, Conversation, and Tea Lounge by @heidinagtegaal
Photo by @sara.pimentel
Tea + Conversation was served all night long. Always looks different when the lights are on. Next morning photos.
Hammock was all about a vibe. It turned into so much more, but at the beginning it was just my kitchen, my living room, my backyard, me hosting, tarot, tea, and good conversations. It was birthed by a desire to give art more space in the margins, art x life needed more pollination room, I had a home, and that’s how it started.
– Heidi Nagtegaal