Oct. 28th 2020

"Nothingness!"

It seems I drifted into the aspect of the creative process that the late, great visual thinker Da Vinci called "Doing nothing". When once asked why he was not busy working on a lucrative commission, Leonardo replied, "Sometimes an Artiste is doing his best work when he is doing nothing!"  

I drifted into it in this transition from the production frenzy of my first three...very limited months with tight objectives and goals as were the restrictions of time and resource with this residency.  Then the Hyde Park Art Center extended my stay by two more months. 

Boom! Calm!  Drifting on a sea of Rhythmistic consciousness.  Away from the pattern of working to meet self imposed objectives and goals within the limits of a three month flow. 

Thinking: Looking at the new Rhythmistic Art.  Learning from my own efforts instead of sequestering them in storage.  Where they would be incarcerated away from the intelligent eyes and curious minds of many art lovers, curators, critics or investors.  Waiting and never knowing. Risking being unknown!!

Today I end this nothingness and get bust!

Rhythmism Awaits!

 Oct. 24th 2020

Extrospection

Rhythmism Lives!

Oct. 11th 2020

I want in on this!

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This was lifted from a recent article in Bloomberg:

"Museums Sell Picasso and Warhol, 

Embrace Diversity to Survive"

" This past April, after museums from San Francisco to Maine shut their doors due to the pandemic, the Association of Art Museum Directors announced that for two years, works could be sold and the proceeds used for “direct care,” with each institution defining what that means. "

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Below are a few museum collection ready Rhythmisitc works by Onli from 1971 /2020.

"Pride" Inks in stipple technique, 1971, About 30"H X 22"W. 

( One of a few surviving works from when Onli was a youthful 

prodigy in the Black Art Movement. )

"Dancer's Trust": Oils on canvas, 2015, 4ft Square.

( Inspired by the national explosion of Ballroom Dancing.)

"Fear No Masks": Acrylics on wooded board, 2020, 24"H X 36"W.

( Inspired by the sheltering In Place orders to cope with the Covid-19 Pandemic 

and its impact on the Black community. )

"The impact has been profound. Museums are not only selling works long off the market but acquiring pieces by female, Black and Latino artists, and -- they hope -- gaining new visitors who will see themselves reflected in the hushed halls. In other words, they’re expanding the canon and hoping to turn this crisis into an opportunity." / BLOOMBERG

"Kokoart" textile paints on cotton 2020 50"W X 40"H to be quilted, 

work in progress during my Summer / Fall 2020 Flex Residency at the 

Hyde Park Art Center in Chicago.  Per Onli's "Rhythmistic Residency"

The next time you hang out with the Acquisitions Curator of a major museum...please tell them 

"Rhythmism Lives!"

Oct. 10th, 2020

"My art's on my mind & my mind's on my art!"

The worth of great art and valued masterpieces is often the product of vetted narratives, insider politics, rarity, distinction, or simply the artist or the artwork being anointed by the powerful.  

Other instances assigns value due to the artist and resulting art having an undeniable impact on the cascade of World Art History.  But the Artiste reserves the right to assert and declare value!

I have to make the most of this residency.  Being at one with the art in the setting where it was manifested gives me that flow feeling......that grow sensation!

Every major collection deserves to have an Onli that is part of this Rhythmistic practice.

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The Kokomusik panel floors me with its exuberance and fun factor!

I grew up in Hyde Park community of Chicago in the 1950s.  I was free-range and as a creative kid spent time with college students and Beat-Niks.  They loved having this Colored Kid around who drew way beyond his years.  Plus they often gave me super-large sheets of drawing paper if I would draw for them.  It really made my Summers.  I am still based in Hyde Park.  

This neighborhood is home to the birth of the Atomic-Age and many Nobel Prize winners along with an array of major political or cultural players.  Of course growing up there......in that ether.....that the child I was would grow into the experimental visual artist to expand on the Black Cultural Revolution to conceive of Rhythmism as an opulent universal visual art genre.

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Making art is often a nexus of time....materials..... ideas...expressions and concepts.

Though I am a Black Man, Rhythmism  easily moves beyond the limits of what most call...."Black Art'! 

I started this path before I knew I was Black. In fact we as a people were not yet calling ourselves "Black" when I first noticed this Rhythmistic thing seeping out of me in 1963. This is why I have been marginalized in most Black Art circles along with being overlooked by mainstream curators who are Black.  This institutional notion that a Black person who is a gifted visual artist can not.....and ..... should not determine that anything or combination of practices could be considered as a "genre"!  No way!  My close friends, former girl friend types,,,,fellow visual artists, professors....instructors, wanna-be authorities, and more have all joined in on that trip. Issuing insults, curses....condemnations....ignorance....sometimes back-stabbing too.  

Telling me that I can't do what I have already done.....?  What is that dumb stuff about?

Hmm!  My nick name is 'Turtle". Is stabbing a turtle in the back a winning strategy?  Nope!  I actually started this course in 6th grade.  By age 18 it was on fire!  They were all late to the party.  These were not options to negotiate or insert naïve opinions....this was the Rhythmistic way.  Do the work!  Showcase the work.  Present the work in the real art worlds. Observe traditions. Respect values, standards and oversight. Both fine and commercial.  Apply the related concepts in art education and art therapy.  Pay close attention. Live the art. Invest in myself.  Make money to make more art!

Opinionate that!

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Rhythmsim is more than my truth.  It is a gift to the Art World!  From me and mine!

There is no force like an idea whose time has come.  

What time is it!  Its Rhythmistic Time!

Ownership is the highest form of appreciation!

The value of these and other Rhythmistic works is housed in the fact that their intent is to bring forth Rhythmism as a genre. Since 1970 I have been into this ongoing visual arts experiment.  The Summer / Fall Flex Residency at the Hyde Park Art Center meets the time when Rhythmism pivots away from experimental to affirmed.  

Rhythmism Lives!

Oct. 9th, 2020

" Only Onli!"

Covid modifications has its unique set of unfolding circumstances and situations.  Most of the time at the HPAC I am alone, or barely see anyone.  It I do, its Michelle, who does a marvelous job of maintenance.  She keeps this place alive. But for the most part...I enter solo and I leave solo.

This gives me a chance to set up staging and other types of statements.

Strolling in Rhythm.

Projecting a concept....

Making use of a table to pose a welcoming display at my studio's entrance...

To be more at one with my recent Rhythmistic art works.

Hosting quality visits from creatives and art lovers.

Pondering the connections in works done and works to be manifested....

Saluting the few folks that flow about with the current major group exhibition open days.  Some even drop in to see what a Residency looks like. Those are meaningful exchanges.

 

Oct. 7th, 2020

"Jet-Age Design. Cut-Time-Digital"

This is my transitional week per prep for the extension of the "Rhythmistic Residency". 

The next two months will be yet a deeper dive into that lost trove of energy that was tucked away for safe keeping until the magic code was expressed from my long lost/found friend. 

All the way though the Rhythmic Zone!

Poof! It happened. The original energy core is availed!

I held it at bay until I completed my set of goals.....now to unleash its Rhythmistic radioactivity.  It took as much energy to hold it off.....to not get overwhelmed by its delights and potential as it did to actually meet my goals per what was the Summer  Flex Residency..of three months.

The Rhythmistic design and compositional aspects from my book-cover treatment published by Holt, Rinehart & Winston, circa 1988, will be the design foundation to be applied to these luxurious textiles to result in a few more panels. These will later be quilted and help grow the "Rhythmistic Quilts" collection into aspects of time, motion, and color.  Flowing with Cut-Time design.

 

 Oct. 5th 2020

"What do I see?"

I see two young boys bounded in a deep friendship in elementary school for several years/grades with a common fondness for science.  I see them under their desks quietly talking and smiling during Air-Raid drills and warnings about those Sputnik crazed Russians looking to drop atomic bombs on us.  But we were surely safe under those desks.

 I see flight across the ocean called Time.  I see them, those two boys as old men.....  re-connecting during Covid.  One giving the other the secret Code that neither even recalled.  Nor knew its value. A Code that one left the other when his young talented life was desperately crashing without time to say good-bye. 

To a long hidden secret Creative Core. 

I see that rare fleeting purity that exists in the magic before the ravages of puberty or saving one's life sets in.  One became a musician/composer the other an artist/publisher. I see life and creativity before "Rhythmism!

 I see the next two months of my extended Flex Residency at the Hyde Park Art Center about to take flight too. 

 I see....." perspective, design and Jet-Planes!"

 Oct. 5th 2020.

"SAIC Alumni rock!"

From the School of the Art Institute: Thanks Director Ashley Spell....this really made my day and will help to propel my extended "Rhythmistic Residency" at the Hyde Park Art Center.  

Please hit the LINK to see it all. Or hit the image below for a site link to the SAIC Magazine.

Me and so many of my very dedicated and talented Alumni folks.  What a cool way to express and share this special bond!

SAIC Magazine Fall 2020 Its first all digital version! LINK! 

ABOVE: An image I drew while in undergrad at the School of the Art Institute.  Plus a photo of Kieth Richards....of the Rolling Stones reviewing an album cover design I did for them while I was doing my year abroad live / study off-year in Paris. Circa 1978.  Just before I returned to graduate in May of 1978 with my BFA in Art Education. 

( Unfortunately the album cover was too raw & Rhythmistic to pass the censorship laws of that era and was not used.  But damn....did I have a blast meeting and working with The Rolling Stones! )

Rhythmism Lives!

 Oct. 5th, 2020

"If you are looking for creativity, you have come to the right place!"

This has been my out-going phone message sense the 1980s.

In 1974 I was told by a major Art / Illustration Representative, who handled the most successful artists of that era in Chicago's lucrative advertising and publishing industries.  He had my samples in his office to review before I met him. This was his statement once he actually met me.

 

"Turtel, you are too creative for us and your own people will not support you"!  Was that a curse, policy, or a prediction?

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In Fall of 2020 I am reminded that I am still unrepresented by any type of commercial gallery or gallery that has direct connections to major collectors, institutions and publishers.  Never even close! My accomplishments and innovations over 50 years seems to not be on their selection radars.  Even if they embrace my clones and imitators.

 

Not that I think me or anyone is entitled to this type of vital representation ...........but it would move mountains, make bread.....and just really kick ass!

Even with the current high profiled statements from all types major players in the mega international art game that "BLACK LIVES MATTER!" Along with stated promises to embrace diversity by seeking out outers.  Hmm.  I think that means me?  Doesn't it?  I am ready for this promise to be fulfilled.  

Or is it still about being the "Right other", "Right Black", or "Their agenda's Person of Color"?

The second phase of this Residency will make more effort to attract the positive attention of these major resources in the Art Worlds as they surely would benefit from me and my works. I bring the cure they need.

I sent out over 500 notices on a global scale to museums, galleries and curators about my Summer Flex Residency. Now I have been generously  awarded by the Hyde Park Art Center an extension until Nov. 30th 2020.

Now they will be able to move pass the Covid modifications a bit to embrace the full power of all things Rhythmistic! I am the Artistic catch of this era!  They know  this and need to get past their fears and aversions to a good thing in the unique package of my being "Me" this time around. 

 When I was young I was often told I was  "too young". Now that I am vintage I am told that I am "too old!"  Ask me or look at my Rhythmistic Artwork and I would say I am "Just right!"

I have produced multiple proven collections, skills, giftedness and a real sense of being a professional. A serious track record and back story. 

( I won a national drawing contest in Paris in 1978, was honored with a Life Time Achievement Award from Temple University in 2006, freelanced for clients like Playboy, Motown, Holt Rinehart & Winston with a host of solo and group exhibitions while maintaining an active indie publishing/production operation. )  

Legend even! Not to mention holding several hard earned college degrees.  From an Associates' Degree to a Doctors in Art Education. With a BFA and M.A.A.T. from the prestigious School of the Art Institute of Chicago in between.

I come built for Artistic successfulness and greatness.  Hmm?  What is the disconnection?

Rhythmism Lives!

 Oct. 3rd 2020

"The $100.00 T-Shirt!"

Anonymous Model with  $50.00 T-Shirt

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This Rhythmistic Residency opened July 7th 2020.  My goal was to complete four Kokopellis re-contextualized to symbolize Visual Art, Performing Art, Literature and Music. I needed to finish these by Oct. 2nd, which was the date to end my Summer Residency.   That deadline was met!  

But something happened along the way.

Above:This T-Shirt went to Ms Kate Lorenz                          Below: This  T-Shirt went to Dan Executive Director, Hyde Park Art Center                             Founder of Diasporal Rhythms

                

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During that intense production time I started doing wearable art again. (During the 1980s I had a wearable art fashion line called "ONLIWEAR".)  

This was my "Michael Jackson Cape" a spoof on his hair being set afire during a commercial production. Which was later redesigned into a coat and sold.

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Rhythmistic Art in the form of one-of-a-kind- or limited edition air-brushed Rhythmistic T-Shirts.  These were to be gifts to the Hyde Park Art Center Staff that were connected to or actually responsible for my having this wonderful residency. 

 As I gifted the Staff...eureka!  

Wow! it occurred to me that I may be able to produce the $100.00 T-shirt. A wearable expressive sequences of images so powerful. 

So unique. So dynamic. So very Rhythmistic that they would sell for $100.00 to the right person.  The right people.  Why not? Fortunes rise and fall on the $100.00 plus gym-shoe or the $50.00 Martini.

This surprise inspiration became another Rhythmistic objective along that way to getting the textile paneled Kokopellis ready for quilting.

Art appreciators who visited were very impressed with them.  Several even offered to buy some.  Of course I obliged each of them their choice of rare, hot, ever-cool select Rhythmistic T-Shirts.  

This was a positive trickle or interest and potential.

Prices seems to currently hover from $30.00 to $50.00. That temperature is rising! I know I can yet produce that elusive big one. The almighty $100.00 T-shirt.  Not featuring a trendy slogan or a remix of a corporate logo or a bootlegged mainstream character.  But actual unique wearable Rhythmistic Art. I know art lovers and the tribes of the corporate logos know a good thing when they see them. Hand-painted by the vintage Me!  What a great deal.

 Everybody needs a Rhythmistic $100.00 T-Shirt in their stash.

 Oct. 2nd 2020

These two will be the objective of the extension of my Flex Residency at the Hyde park Art Center. Pure Mc/Mc. Rhyhtmism has rootz! They were very connected from 3rd Grade until 6th grade.  Separated due to one' whose family abruptly moved outta the neighborhood because his family members were major gang leaders. Poof! Gone away.  Not even a goodbye.  

But one was already given the secret code.  One so secret neither knew.  This is the stuff of childhood magic. That was 1963.  Just before the start of this residency they reconnected.  One, a musician / performer/composer, and spitirualist.  The other, a visual artist, educator, therapist, designer, producer and both publishers.The code key was stated.  The Lost forgotten secret creative core was ignited.   

 

Now that I have completed the goals of the primary residency term, now awarded a two moth extension, I get to look into that core.

This will be a few days of art appreciation and project planning.

To this I offer this quote:

“The number one predictor of your success in today’s borderless world is not your IQ, not your resume (CV), and not even your expertise,” writes social scientist David Livermore in his book The Cultural Intelligence Difference. “It’s your CQ.”

According to the latest findings, a high CQ could be crucial in a wide range of careers, from bankers to soldiers and scientists and teachers – anyone, in fact, who regularly interacts with people from different backgrounds.