Art must be interactive &
confrontational
Antebellum & the
Pompadó
Welcome,
This page is specially designed for the online publishing of my thesis essay for my bachelor's degree "Artist Educator in Theatre" at ArtEZ Academy of Art.
I decided to upload it to my website to make my research accessible to everyone who would like to acquire knowledge of the process of decolonising a form of art in an interactive, confrontational manner.
The interactive part of my thesis essay is in a video-documentary interview where I ask some detailed questions and ponder for a real, honest answer. Consider this essay more of a "where I now stand" rather than a "hard and unchangeable statement".
Your sincere,
Pompadó Z.R. Martha
A short introduction of my thesis essay
Every thesis has its antithesis, and those two procreates a synthesis; the synthesis is on its own a thesis again, which will have an antithesis that will reproduce a synthesis, again. This process is a continuous movement in which, if that merger keeps procreating, a revolution can be born out of it.
My journey as a Black artist began with naive dreams but soon became a battle against labels and expectations. This thesis explores that struggle, weaving artistic expression with the fight for equity and the space to create freely. It's about challenging systems and pursuing art that transcends labels to ignite change.
As I grew up, I found a new love; "The thin line between science and art". I signed up to be a facilitator for the 'why' and the 'why not' and got enrolled into the paradox of time, space, and matter with each decision made. I created new universes of possibilities to be admitted into being a candidate of "HOPE"; I aspired to be an Artist.
Driven by dialogue, history, and conscious choices, my art is intentionally decolonised, queer, non-dual, Afro-Caribbean, confrontational, interactive, equity-seeking, and rejects toxic masculinity. My name is Zaërick. This is my antebellum.
The Antebellum
Sources & Literature
My educational philosophy values active engagement, echoing "Only when the student is ready will the teacher appear". Believing diverse perspectives are key, I extensively researched decolonization, emancipation, and Afro-futurism (reading 15+ books) for this thesis to understand the "why" behind my artistic pursuit of equity.
Am I a "BLACK" artist, or an Artist?
As an educator, realizing how my identity resonated with students of colour sparked research into representation's impact on art and self. Committed to open dialogue, continuous learning, and non-duality, I explore how perceptions shape interaction to better bridge divides. Seeking a future where artists transcend racial labels, this led me to ask others: "Am I a black artist or an artist?"
My journey as an educator has been profoundly transformative. I believe in the power of knowledge and the responsibility that comes with sharing it. By openly acknowledging the impact of race on my own experience, I believe I can move forward with greater understanding and contribute to breaking down barriers towards a brighter, more inclusive future.
Am I "Accepted" or "Tolerated"?
My ArtEZ journey began hopefully, but an early racial slur shattered my sense of belonging, revealing a persistent "otherness." This struggle fuels my artistic focus on decolonisation, aiming to educate and foster understanding through dialogue. By focusing on decolonisation and dialogue, I aim to bridge divides. To spark vital conversation towards empathy and equity (not guilt), I ask: Would your perception change if you were Black?
What do I need to do to maintain being a
Pompadó
Despite initial struggles to navigate cultural differences at ArtEZ, I persisted in expressing my identity and challenging colonial perspectives through my art. This journey wasn't always smooth, forcing me to balance self-expression with acceptance. My artistic exploration culminated in the question: "How do I maintain being myself?" This became the driving force behind my work and continues to be relevant as I graduate and enter the world.