WHAT’S NOT THERE

A reciprocal project curated by BerdsCarnival + NYC artist, Ryan Compton, in collaboration with Reciprocal Communiqué

You’re a volunteer, you’re a creator, you’re a maker, and you’re a doer. The most important thing is to volunteer.” - Ojo of Coney Island

What’s Not There is an experimental platform that seeks to challenge artists to explore ways to decentralize and disseminate their ideas about art and culture, specific to the area in which they live. The goal is to reach audiences in boroughs and neighborhoods outside the traditional cultural matrix of New York City. By inverting our perspective and examining the crevices of our immediate surroundings we expand the cultural arena, embrace our communities and fortify the unseen.

For this first iteration we have invited 8 artists of all disciplines, professional levels, and locales to submit a site-specific proposal particular to the neighborhood where they live. The final piece will be exhibited as a zine. A zine launch will be held in an uncommon space, this summer.

(Maraya Lopez), 2 Studies For 3 Points Brooklyn, 2023, Video editing, Cristobal Vivar

Video was on view at Long Island Museum of Art for Somos/We Are: LatinX Artists of Long Island, in 2023.

This video was made with Instagram, using clips from my two live-streamed walks. From Dumbo to Coney Island. From Dumbo to East New York. I was experimenting with live-stream for an upcoming project and exploring the Brooklyn landscape.

Many thanks to my studio assistant, Albert Zang!

Somos/We Are: LatinX Artists of Long Island

September, 2023

Somos/We Are: LatinX Artists of Long Island at Long Island Museum

A groundbreaking exhibition celebrating the rich cultural heritage and artistic contributions of the Latinx community of Long Island. This exhibition, which includes works by over 80 participating artists—historic, established, and contemporary—offers a unique opportunity to explore their diverse styles, media, compelling personal stories, and familial national origins. From Brooklyn to Montauk, SOMOSshowcases the works of creators who have grappled with questions of identity, history, and the many meanings of community. Guest-curated by Mexican-American artist Kelynn Z. Alder, SOMOS situates Latinx artists within the historic fabric and the actively changing shape of the Long Island neighborhoods in which they live.

SIX FOOT PLATFORM: NO COLOR GAME

The intersection of Washington and Water Street becomes the setting for a new project: the Six Foot Platform Experimental Residency Program. Presented in partnership with the Brooklyn Arts Council, this project will feature eleven Brooklyn-based artists in full-day residencies on Saturdays from June 19-September 4, 2021.

July 4, 2021

By BerdsCarnival (Maraya Lopez). Soundtrack in collaboration with Harvey “Ras(X)” Lackey.

Special thanks to DUMBO BID for having me for the first cohort.

The Dumbo Improvement District announces programming for the inaugural Six Foot Platform Experimental Residency Program, presented in partnership with Brooklyn Arts Council. Twelve Brooklyn-based artists were chosen by a panel following an open call for works in spring 2021 to participate in full-day residencies on a 6’ by 6’ platform on Washington Street, one of New York City’s most iconic blocks, on Saturdays from June 19 to September 4 from 12pm to 9pm.

Multi-genre and encouraging participation from spectators, Six Foot Platform programming includes interactive art installations, plus unconventional music and dance performances.

The Dumbo Improvement District announces programming for the inaugural Six Foot Platform Experimental Residency Program, presented in partnership with Brooklyn Arts Council. Twelve Brooklyn-based artists were chosen by a panel following an open call for works in spring 2021 to participate in full-day residencies on a 6’ by 6’ platform on Washington Street, one of New York City’s most iconic blocks, on Saturdays from June 19 to September 4 from 12pm to 9pm.

BerdsCarnival making the ‘No Color Game”, 2021

“Alive” by Marie Roberts

Photo Credit: Jane Huntington

BerdsCarnival with a boy looking into mirror. 2021 on The Six Foot platform.

Photo credit: Jane Huntington