We are thrilled to be connecting with Abasa Aziz again. Abasa is an Artist and is also a content partner. Content partners help Voyage in so many ways from spreading the word about the work that we do, sponsoring our mission and collaborating with us on content like this. Check out our conversation with Abasa below.
Hi Abasa, so great to have you join us again. For folks who might have missed our earlier conversations, can you please take a minute to briefly introduce yourself?
I was born Charvis Harrell and I have been making art for over twenty years, I use art to give explanation of the harsh realities of being Black in America. I do lectures and write papers but my main passion is making art that allows Black kids to see themselves differently, than what they are usually shown.
What inspires your work?
Knowing that so much of Black history and culture is covered up, gives me the desire to gather that knowledge and share it with as many people as I can in order to give a more complete understanding. We come from a culture of Griot where words were important and knowledge was paramount, and to know that we market the opposite to our youths is one of the main ills America has taught us.
Who is your audience?
My sons. I didn’t show in any gallery, so I made art to influence my sons, and more importantly than making art for anyone else it was a way for me to unburden my heart, for me to unburden my heart was and still is way more important than pleasing anyone.
What is your end goal?
To pay tribute to as many people who sacrificed and went unsung and to bring understanding to horrific events so they don’t happen again. The pain and low esteem caused by misinformation can be changed, but it will take a constant effort and that is what I plan to do with my career
It was so great to reconnect. One last question – how can our readers connect with you, learn more or support you?
This year I’m going on the road and I will be downtown Atlanta for Juneteenth. I’m having a Show in Missouri for Sep. and I’m going to show and make a documentary in Minnesota for the month of Nov. Until Dec. 1. zhrvys.com is my company @abasaaziz on instagram
Contact Info:
- Website: https://zhrvys.com/
- Facebook: abasaaziz
- Youtube: Charvis Harrell
- Other: http://recountmagazine.com/author/charvisharrell/
