EXHIBITION & PERFORMANCE: CONTRADICTIONS

Join performance artists Ty Lackey (piano/saxophone), and featured guest, Mia Treadwell (percussion), and Karla Felecia Scaife (vocals) for an unscripted, improvisational musical performance and synchronous discussion on the contradictions of living in a racialized society that devalues the Black body. Other featured artists are expected to make brief appearances.

This performance and forum looks to reimagine the status quo for how we collectively process and move beyond state sanctioned trauma.

The exhibition will explore tactics of community building through language, technology, and space, and seek out definition of contemporary aspects of Black life.

Additionally, the event will have an unveiling of a 3D-printed bust generated with the help of AI, of the well-known figure recognized for their advocacy of anti-lynching policy and anti-racism policy, Ida B. Wells.

About the Artists:

Tyler Andrew Lackey is an American multidisciplinary artist from Chattanooga, Tennessee, who specializes in piano, flute, saxophone, drums, organ, vocals, and bass. Ty is also inspired by visual arts including paint, photography, mixed media, videography and chalk drawings. Ty is currently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts in Social Practice at The George Washington University where he works as a Research Assistant for the George Washington University Hip Hop Ensemble and as an academic success coach for the Office of Student Success. Ty is most enriched when he feels like he is making people angry about racism.

Karla Felecia Scaife is a self-produced singer/songwriter committed to harm reduction and increased access to restorative healing practices for those affected by trauma. In childhood, she was nurtured by a faith community whose spiritual praxis was accomplished through care for others. As an adult informed by those experiences, Karla utilizes the arts to critically engage harmful hegemonic structures. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and a Master of Theological Studies from Vanderbilt Divinity School. Karla feels most alive when she is performing, listening to audiobooks, near water, or in the company of loved ones.

Mia Treadwell is a percussionist and drummer from Atlanta, GA, by way of Chattanooga, TN.