#DeafWoke Residency: Bridging Auditory Divides Through Art
Antoine Hunter Purple Fire Crow, an accomplished Bay Area choreographer, director, and advocate, is making waves with his Urban Jazz Dance Company. Born deaf and identifying as African American, Indigenous, and Two-Spirit, Hunter’s commitment to elevate fellow artists is exemplified in his current residency at 836M, a San Francisco-based nonprofit.
A Mission of Empowerment
Hunter emphasizes the importance of supporting fellow artists, stating, “I want to uplift other artists and pay them for their work. If I can help them, I grow also. Art and dance saved my life.” His residency, titled #DeafWoke: Communication in Conversation, encompasses workshops, visual exhibitions, and a talk show featuring conversations with both hearing and deaf artists.
Program Highlights
The residency runs for 11 weeks and concludes with a series of evening-length multidisciplinary performances from May 15-17 at 836M’s gallery in Jackson Square. Hunter noted that the project is an evolving discussion: “We will have a lot more to show.”
- Workshops: Interactive sessions focused on various forms of artistic expression.
- Visual Art Exhibitions: Showcasing the work of diverse creators.
- Online Talk Show: Featuring interviews with artists like Zahna Simon, assistant director of Urban Jazz.
Inclusivity through Art
This initiative aims to foster connections among deaf, hearing, and other-abled audiences. Hunter emphasizes the need for patience and effective communication, explaining, “Sometimes people talking to me can be quick to say, ‘never mind,’… And people need to know that reading lips requires a lot of guessing.” His advocacy serves to enhance understanding and promote inclusivity across artistic narratives.
Collaboration and Community
Joining Hunter in this residency are celebrated artists, including Malik Seneferu, a renowned painter and sculptor from San Francisco’s Hunters Point Shipyard. Hunter speaks highly of their collaboration, noting shared backgrounds through art and communication.
Another participant, Cherie Espy, is a deaf Black artist who specializes in painting, fashion design, and sculpture. Despite facing personal challenges, Espy has rebounded to find her voice in her art. Hunter remarks, “Her work is amazing… Now, she listens to herself and becomes stronger as she makes her work.”
Upcoming Workshops
In addition to Espy’s participation, martial artist Antony Johnson will lead a workshop on May 10, helping participants learn to safely navigate physical interactions.
Event Details
Join the Urban Jazz Dance Company for the #DeafWoke performances, commencing at 6:30 p.m. from May 15-17 at 836M, located at 836 Montgomery St., San Francisco. Admission is free, though reservations are required. For further details, visit 836M.org.
